Purcell: The Fairy Queen

Well I was disappointed by this recording, especially when compared to the Harnoncourt version. It lacks the drama and warmth that the Harnoncourt version seems to have. The singing seems to be played in a rather straight fashion, with no acting. For example The plaint ("O let me Weep") is well sung, but dull. Gardiner also uses 10 soloists which is perhaps a mistake, especially considering some of them are definitely weaker singers.On the plus side the chorus and orchestra are excellent. The few choral passages are definitively better then Harnoncourt, and at times the orchestral playing is also better eg Monkey's dance. Generally the orchestral player is lighter and slower thanIn addition the new format of the weird box is odd and cheap, and although you get the booklet, you have to download the libretto. Having said that for the cheaper price then perhaps this is excusable.

Good music for a good price

Superb recording of this beautiful compositionPurcell at his very best

Fantastic Mr Purcell