In the time of Purcell, odes were composed by the
Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal. Although
Purcell was never appointed to head the Chapel Royal,
he was a favorite composer of the king, so it fell to
him to compose odes for the birthday of Queen Mary II
in 1694. Come, Ye Sons of Art, Away was the final
birthday ode Purcell composed for Queen Mary; by the
end of 1695 both she and Purcell had passed away. It
has seven movements, plus an opening symphony, which
Purcell later rewrote and ...(+)
In the time of Purcell, odes were composed by the
Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal. Although
Purcell was never appointed to head the Chapel Royal,
he was a favorite composer of the king, so it fell to
him to compose odes for the birthday of Queen Mary II
in 1694. Come, Ye Sons of Art, Away was the final
birthday ode Purcell composed for Queen Mary; by the
end of 1695 both she and Purcell had passed away. It
has seven movements, plus an opening symphony, which
Purcell later rewrote and incorporated into his opera
The Indian Queen. The overture has three movements. The
refined and majestic Largo is followed by a fugal
Canzona and a lush Adagio. The opening chorus is on the
words "Come, Ye sons of Art," and serves as an
introduction to the poetic text. "Sound the Trumpet" is
a striking duet for two countertenors. The melody
dances over a ground bass as the singers imitate the
sound of trumpets. "Strike the Viol" is a haunting
countertenor solo in three, with an instrumental
ritornello. The solo features an obbligato for two
flutes, and the ritornello has the flutes and violins
answer one another. Each of these movements is a
complete work in itself. Purcell changes the
orchestration, the voice to which he gives the solo
line, the form, and the mood of each. After the two
countertenor pieces, he writes the bass solo with
chorus "No day that such a blessing gave." It is a
prayer that this day be a day of jubilee, and with the
remaining portion of the composition, the prayer is
heard. Jubilation and rejoicing are in every note. "Bid
the Virtues" is a fanciful soprano solo with oboe
obbligato, followed by a florid bass solo over a ground
bass called "These are the Sacred Charms that Shield."
A soprano and bass duet comprises the main body of the
final movement, with a choral ritornello. This is
Purcell at his happiest and most innocent. When the
chorus enters to restate the final verse, it is
accompanied by the entire ensemble of instruments,
which emphasizes the joyful mood.
Although originally written for orchestra, I created
this arrangement for Viola and Acoustic Piano.
PARTITION