Purcell/Britten: Songs CD review – Britten’s fascinating take on Purcell

Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears were early advocates of the glorious songs of Henry Purcell, including some in almost all their recitals together. As pianist, Britten developed elaborate accompaniments for them that today seem a little overworked, but it’s fascinating to hear their period style on these two CDs, especially with the unifying and responsive playing of pianist Joseph Middleton. The vocal styles vary rather widely, from early music, in Ruby Hughes’s shining Fairest Isle and Robin Blaze’s pure Sweeter than Roses, to full-on in the magnificent bluster of Matthew Rose, who brings Britten’s version of Music for a While to a huge climax. There are fun ensembles too.