Having previously presented a program centered around John Dowland's Lachrimae Pavans (ECM 2189), the ensemble, under the direction of violinist John Holloway, now turns its attention to the Fantasias of the Baroque master Henry Purcell. In his detailed accompanying notes, Holloway emphasizes the exceptional quality of these works and points to Purcell's connections to other composers such as Byrd, Lawes, Jenkins, and Locke. He particularly highlights Purcell's masterful handling of contrapuntal and polyphonic techniques, which makes the Fantasias stand out as outstanding compositions of their era. Through their interpretation, Holloway and his ensemble offer a fresh perspective on Purcell's music, revealing his ability to powerfully convey the melancholy of his time without neglecting its life-affirming aspects.
