Though he is better known for his theater music,
Henry Purcell did not altogether neglect chamber music, and his chamber music is arguably as characteristic and successful as his dramatic music. That argument is made here by the Dutch period-instrument ensemble
Musica Amphion under the direction of harpsichordist
Pieter-Jan Belder. First-rate players all, the Dutch musicians are wholly up to the challenges of
Purcell's music. The one set of Fantasias for strings and two sets of sonatas for strings have the rich, warm ensemble sound and strong approach to tempo that suit the music so well. The soloists in the Sonata for trumpet and the Suite for two violins are easily in the same league as the best-known international players. And
Belder, a student of
Bob van Asperen, is everything one could want in the suites and miscellaneous pieces for harpsichord: agile, expressive, and always accurate. Recorded in 2006 and 2007, the sound here is bright and clear, yet atmospheric. In short, listeners interested in exploring
Purcell's oeuvre in depth will find much to enjoy here.