LNM Purcell Sessions #5

In the final installment of the Purcell sessions. Tim joins with an intimate group of musicians from La Nuova Musica to perform a Purcellian favourite. Evening hymn (‘Now that the sun hath veiled his light’) was first published in 1688. It is a devotional piece, ostensibly a prayer on going to bed, and has allegorical implications of the feeling of resignation in the face of death, so that the ‘evening’ referred to could be the twilight of life itself. Purcell sets these subtle words to an expressive melody over a five-bar ground bass, with slowly-changing harmonies.

A perfect way to bring down the lights on this wonderful series that provided many of the musicians their first taste of ensemble music-making following the first lockdowns. As much of the world heads into another period of lockdown we hope this music continues to provide comfort and beauty to these wintery days of isolation.