Most of the distinctive Purcell realizations by Benjamin Britten, vocal parts edited by Peter Pears, have been out of print for sone years. This new edition collects 49 selections for high voice and 45 selections for medium/low voice. Includes 9 songs from Harmonia Sacra, 24 solo songs and six duets from Orpheus Britannicus, “The Queen's Epicedium,” and selections from Dido and Aeneas and The Fairy Queen.

Contents: Ah! Belinda, I am prest with torment • Alleluia • The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation • But ere we this perform • Dialogue of Corydon and Mopsa • Evening Hymn • Fairest Isle • Fear no danger to ensue • Hark the ech'ing air! • How blest are shepherds • I attempt from love's sickness to fly • I spy Celia • I take no pleasure • I'll sail upon the Dog-star • If music be the food of love (1st version) • If music be the food of love (3rd version) • In the black dismal dungeon of despair • Job's Curse • Let sullen discord smile • Lord, what is man • Lost is my quiet • Mad Bess • Man is for the woman made • A Morning Hymn • Music for a while • No, resistance is but vain • Not all my torments • On the brow of Richmond Hill • Pious Celinda • The Queen's Epicedium • Saul and the Witch at Endor • Shepherd, leave decoying • So when the glittering Queen of Night • sound Fame the brazen trumpet • Sound the trumpet • Sweeter than roses • Take not a woman's anger ill • There's not a swain of the plain • Thou tun'st this world • 'Tis holiday • Turn then thine eyes • We sing to him • What can we poor females do? • When I am laid in earth • Why should men quarrel?