King Arthur
Henry Purcell
A sparkling British baroque jewel recounting the epic history of the United Kingdom.
Dates
Hélène Guilmette | soprano
Floriane Hasler | mezzo-soprano
Cyril Auvity | alto
Robin Tritschler | tenor
Andreas Wolf | bass
Le Concert Spirituel
Hervé Niquet | direction
First part of the programme
Purcell Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary
About
This semi-opera tells the story of the birth of the United Kingdom when King Arthur triumphed over the Saxon invader. This is one of Purcell’s most elegant musical works for the stage, with its blend of drama, humour and enchantment. The subtlety and acerbic edge which characterizes British humour are deployed to tell this epic story. In a peculiarly English tradition, it is customary to orchestrate state ceremonies (a coronation, wedding, or funeral). Purcell therefore composed pieces for many royal events. He was particularly devoted to Queen Mary and dedicated one of his most moving works to her on the occasion of her funeral service.
Production Théâtre des Champs-Élysées