Tis Nature's Voice

This 1978 performance by a pioneer of countertenor singing was recorded at the St. Stefanus Church in Melsen, Belgium. René Jacobs is accompanied by lute and viola da gamba on 12 arias and songs by 17th century English genius Henry Purcell, including "Musick for a while," "Since from my dear Astrea's sight" (from Prophetess), "Pious Celinda goes to prayers," "Ah! Cruel Nymph," "The Fatal Hour comes on a pace," "As Amoret and Thirsis lay," "Sweeter than Roses," "I lov'd fair Celia," "Incassum, Lesbia" (An Elegy on the Death of Queen Mary), and "Retir'd from any mortal's sight" (from The History of King Richard II).