Purcell: “Songbook” / Emma Kirkby
I believe Emma Kirkby’s finest work lies in her English vocal music—from the lute songs of Dowland and the arias of Purcell to the oratorios of Handel. Today, I’d like to highlight the album “Henry Purcell: Songbook”. It is a magnificent record in which she brings Purcell’s exquisite melodies to life with her clear, pure, and refined voice. Back in the day—about 50 years ago—my friends and I would often find ourselves divided into “Team Emma Kirkby” and “Team Judith Nelson”. We would stay up late, drinking and arguing—almost like hooligans (though perhaps not quite that extreme!)—over which of them was superior. I, naturally, was a staunch supporter of Kirkby, while one of my friends remained an unyielding advocate for Nelson. While I certainly have nothing against Nelson, there was a unique “purity” to Kirkby’s voice that truly set her apart in the world of early music—it was her defining charm. As for this “Songbook”, it features a collection of Purcell’s melodies—such as “O Let Me Weep” and “Hark! How All Things” from his various theatrical works (like “The Fairy-Queen”), as well as standalone songs like “Sweeter Than Roses” and “Evening Hymn”—that possess a nostalgic quality, offering a soothing balm to the listener’s heart. #baroque #purcell #kirkby #片山俊幸
