Filmed live from the London International Festival of Early Music 2021. Ensemble Pro Victoria soloists Elisabeth Paul, Oscar Golden-Lee and Humphrey Thompson feature in Purcell's famous 'Bell Anthem', accompanied by Richard Gowers (chamber organ) and Rachel Kay (cello).
Known as 'The Bell Anthem' for its downward, repetitive pealing bass-line, this live performance particularly benefits from the virtuosic playing of Richard Gowers in the absence of upper strings. Composed in the early 1680s, Rejoice in the Lord shows the spirit and character of the "bright and airy prince", King Charles II, he served. Charles II tired of the "grave and solemn ways" of Byrd and Tallis; the result being the joyous music of Purcell.
The text is from the 1549 Book of the Common Prayer.
Ensemble Pro Victoria
Toby Ward
www.ensembleprovictoria.com
