"An Evening Hymn" by Henry Purcell - Arpa Oscura in Turku Cathedral

"Sacred song" used to be a genre that inspired composers to write many great works. "An Evening Hymn" by Purcell (1659-1695) comes from a collection of these, "Armonia Sacra", published in 1693. Nowadays, this Hymn is usually performed because Purcell's genius endowed the melody with such charm: even modern audiences are prepared to look past the religious nature of the words by Bishop William Fuller (1608-1675) - but there can be no doubt that to Purcell the message contained in the poem was no mere word-play. Purcell elevates the maybe somewhat mundane text to such heights of devotion, once again using his favourite compositional device, the ground bass, that we feel we are entering the state of mind of a person from a remote era.
Performed by Arpa Oscura: Anneliina Rif, soprano & Tuomas Kourula, lute

[@dlw4676]

Beautiful rendering of wonderful words. Why would anyone look past the religious nature of the words?

[@Francesc1983]

Totally wonderful. Beautiful people, beautiful music, beautiful atmosphere. I feel like I’ll run short of words to describe my feelings, since your music makes a lot of things to flourish inside of me. It’s so touching to see you are so devoted and passionate about what you do, and you do it so beautifully. Also, the intimacy of the chapel, the dim lighting, the lattice, the close-ups of you two. Anneliina’s voice is so pure and haunting, so BRIGHT, and there’s something in Tuomas’ demeanor and way of playing that is somewhat calming and reassuring, subtle yet deeply emotional. I don’t know. You truly are something else. Thank you again for so much. Pure artistry, pure joy.

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

Thank you for leaving such a beautiful comment! We appreciate it immensely.

[@helendecruz1947]

Wow!! Sublime I have heard maybe 20 versions of this piece and this is the most moving... Also what an effective use of the archlute and its light and gentle upper register and deep basses and the singing is so sweet too

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

Thank you, dear Helen!

[@azriel8549]

Your playing and singing, the place, everything around you have touched my heart. Congratulations, and thank you so much.

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

Thank you, we appreciate your kind words!

[@johnforsbergbarrett923]

Beautiful authentic performance and historic setting, really takes you back to the 17th century and Purcell's time! Kiitos paljon!

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

Thank you for the lovely words!

[@hannahadlergontard7057]

What a wonderful voice!

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@Lilith.R]

No me alcanzan las palabras para describir lo sublime que ha sido. Felicitaciones por tan hermoso trabajo, Dios los bendiga.
La música y su voz tan hermosa acaricia mí alma.
Saludos desde Argentina
❤

[@bullwinkle8266]

Absolutely magical!

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

Thank you! One of our favourite songs, and the best location in town - we enjoyed this one a lot!

[@joe-k4x]

Can music and lyrics of this excellence ever be written in our time?

[@eulero75]

of course not

[@joe-k4x]

@@eulero75 lol...why not?

[@eulero75]

@@joe-k4x you should be an absolute master of music theory

[@bullwinkle8266]

Inspirational!

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

Thank you!

[@deanedge5988]

so moving

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

Thank you for watching and for commenting!

[@davidwilder7542]

Ethereal and Eternal, praises to your Voice and the expertise on the Instrument.

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

Thank you very much, dear David!

[@sameash3153]

Please wear shoes when in God's sanctuary

[@TurkuEarlyMusic]

In the Bible, God commanded Moses to remove his sandals when approaching Him on Mount Sinai.