Theodosius II

'…the verse anthems contain glorious music for solo voices, individually or in groups, executed with sensibility and expressive fervour.'

Despite only living until the age of 36, Purcell is undoubtedly one of the most remarkable musical geniuses of all time. The Sixteen continues its exploration of his music written for royalty, illuminating two more of Purcell’s Welcome Songs - Swifter, Isis, swifter flow and The summer’s absence unconcerned we bear. In his music for Nathaniel Lee’s tragedy Theodosius we witness the young Purcell displaying his playhouse wares in strokes of astonishing versatility some ten years before he made a serious impact as a master of music for the stage.