Purcell: Fairest Isle

As one of today’s most magic – not to say victorious – singers, whether on the opera stage or in the concert hall, Carolyn Sampson’s previous appearances on BIS have earned her high praise, for instance in American Record Guide (“Her tone is extraordinarily beautiful: natural, warm and unforced, with almost superhuman vocal athleticism”).

“Carolyn Sampson's luminescent soprano, with its easeful enunciation, seemingly instinctive ornamentation, and total lack of self-consciousness captures the bittersweet 'affects' of 'Sweeter than Roses', relishes the shifting tones of voice in the long nocturnal, 'From silent shades', and glows against a single theorbo accompaniment in the great 'Evening Hymn'. The instrumental palette, though limited, is exquisitely tuned to Sampson's voice and to the character of each piece.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2007 ****

"The present record contains 13 of Purcell's most celebrated songs, each one of which is sung with intense feeling and, one feels, a familiarity with the music that only time can bring...[Deller] brings vivid characterization to every one of these pieces... No better example of his extraordinary sensibility is to be found than in his singing of Fairest Isle, without a doubt the loveliest performance of this song that I have ever heard....a fine and memorable recital by a great artist." Gramophone

“Here is one of the most delightful singers of our time… There is a delicious coolness about the Korean soprano’s singing…” Gramophone