Purcell: Z 473. Young Thyrsis' fate - Borden, Drayer (O'Dette, Stubbs, live)

Henry PURCELL (1659-1695)
An Elegy upon the Death of Mr Thomas Farmer, B.M.:
Young Thyrsis' fate ye hills and groves deplore, Z 473
Song for soprano, bass and basso continuo
Text: Nahum Tate? (1652-1715)
Composed in December 1688 (the musician Thomas Farmer was buried on 5 December 1688)
Published in the second book of 'Orpheus Britannicus' (London: Henry Playford, 1702)

Barbara Borden, soprano
Jelle Drayer, bass
Tragicomedia,
conducted by Paul O'Dette and Stephen Stubbs
Musicians:
Erin Headley, bass viol, lirone
Alexander Weimann, harpsichord, organ
Paul O'Dette, archlute, lute, guitar, mandolin
Stephen Stubbs, chitarrone, guitar
Concert: 26 July 1996 in Amsterdam (Concertgebouw)

The score featured in this video is from 'Orpheus Britannicus', with some editing.

In the second section, at 01:30, the soprano sings the first 'What' three beats early, stops, then restarts, but this time three beats late. The musicians of the continuo quickly adjust their accompaniment to synchronise it with the vocal line. This mistake does not alter the charm of this performance, in my opinion.

Marc D.