A Thousand Charms invites listeners into two centuries of English song, from Campion’s intimate ayres to Purcell’s theatrical masterpieces and Handel’s deeply expressive arias. The programme traces how solo song evolved from lute-inspired simplicity to richly ornamented drama, blending poetry with music of striking clarity and depth. Grace Davidson’s pure, agile voice and Julian Perkins’s sensitive harpsichord accompaniment bring freshness and immediacy to this repertoire, emphasising its refinement, inventiveness and humanity. For anyone drawn to the beauty of early music, this recording offers an engaging journey through some of its most timeless works.
A Thousand Charms. Songs by Purcell, Handel. Campion, Humfrey, Dowland, Alessandro and Scarlatti
Grace Davidson – Soprano
Julian Perkins – Harpsichord
Release date: 16th January 2026
Catalogue number: SIGCD960
Barcode: 635212096024
[1] If music be the food of love
[2] Sweeter than Roses
[3] I attempt from Loves Sickness
[4] The Indian Queen, Z. 630, Act 4: They Tell Us That Your Mighty Powers
Suite No. 7 in D Minor, Z. 668
[5] I. Almand, very slow
[6] II. Corant
[7] III. Sarabande
[8] IV. Hornpipe
[9] Never weather-beaten sail
[10] Author of Light
[11] Where The Bee Sucks
[12] Judith, Act II: “Sleep, gentle Cherub!
Sleep descend”
Harpsichord Sonata No. 5 in B Flat Major
[13] I. Poco largo
[14] II. Gavotta
[15] A Hymne to God the Father
[16] Sabina has a thousand charms
[17] Lovely Selina
[18] Belinda’s pretty pleasing form
Semele, Act II Scene 2
[19] “O sleep, why dost thou leave me”
[20] “My racking thoughts by no kind slumbers freed”
[21] VI. “I Ever Am Granting”
[22] Ah! How sweet it is to love
[23] An Evening Hymn on a Ground, Z. 193