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Introduction

Fly, bold rebellion was one of Purcell’s early Welcome Songs, composed for Charles II in 1683. The manuscript gives no indication of the date of the first performance, but it seems evident from the anonymous author of the words that it was written shortly after the discovery of the Rye House Plot, which took place in June 1683. The Ode thus would seem likely to have been performed to celebrate Charles’s return from Windsor to Whitehall at the end of June, or perhaps later in the year on his return to London from Winchester (25 September) or Newmarket (20 October). After the splendid two-part Symphony, the Ode contains the already established selection of choruses, trios and solos, interspersed with Purcell’s deliciously scored string ritornelli. One movement in particular stands out: Purcell had an enormous affinity with the alto voice, giving it many of his finest movements, and it is once again for this voice that he set ‘Be welcome then, great Sir’. Over a three-bar walking ground bass the soloist winds an entrancing melody which then develops into a ravishing string ritornello. Elsewhere too there is enchanting string writing: the ritornelli to ‘Rivers from their channels turned’, ‘But Kings, like the sun’ and ‘But Heaven has now dispelled’ are exquisitely crafted. In the concluding chorus ‘Welcome to all those wishes fulfilled’ we find imitative entries in seven parts alternating in real and inverted counterpoint: a final example of Purcell’s extraordinary creative mind.

'A treasure house of shamefully neglected music. Over nine hours of wonderful invention … this major recording achievement must be an irresistibl ...'By any yardstick these are life-enhancing works' (CDReview)» More

'Robin Blaze has the special ingredients to transcend any latent prejudice [of countertenors], especially in a recital as wide-ranging and intelligent ...'Can be recommended without reservation … the wonderful 'By beauteous softness’, from Queen Mary’s Birthday Ode of 1689, given this performance, ...» More

'Hyperion and the Consort celebrate a decade together – fifty CDs – with an anthology of delights. Consistency of performance and of engineering is a ...'I must admit to being quite bowled over by this record. There is something especially infectious about Robert King's music-making [and] the recording ...» More

Fly, bold rebellion, make haste and be gone!
Victorious in counsel great Charles is returned,
The plot is displayed and the traitors, some flown
And some to Avernus by Justice thrown down.
Then with heart and with voice
Prepare to rejoice,
All you that are loyal and true:
They nobly contend
Who maintain to the end
Those honours to Majesty due.

Rivers from their channels turned
Other plains and meadows bless,
And those tow’rs from whence they cease
Ruined lie and unadorned;
’Tis the Prince’s presence graces
And his absence that defaces,
Seats of Monarchs naked look
By the Monarch once forsook.

For Majesty moves like the Season’s bright King,
Appears and withdraws, restores and gives life
Both to places and men.

Come then, change your notes, disloyal crowd,
You that already have been too loud
With importunate follies and clamours;
’Tis no business of yours
To dispute the high powers,
As if you were the government framers;
But with heart and with voice
Join all to rejoice
With welcomes redoubled to see him appear,
Who brings mercy and peace
And all things to please
A people that knew not how happy they are.