The Sixteen's acclaimed baroque orchestra, makes it's first appearance on a CORO disc. The Fairy Queen, one of Purcell's grandest creations, is a fantastic blend of magic, mystery, passion and tomfoolery - both profoundly moving and entertaining in turn. The Sixteen's superb recording features soloists Ann Murray, Lorna Anderson, Gillian Fisher, Michael Chance and Richard Suart. Based on Shakespeare's a Midsummer Night's Dream, Henry Purcell's the Fairy Queen was composed in 1691/2 and remains without doubt one of his greatest works adding his magic, wit and sensuality to that of the play. One of the greatest of England's composers, Purcell flourished in the years that followed the Restoration of Charles II to the throne, his unique talents celebrated and admired in the atmosphere of artistic creativity and courtly opulence of the time. With a personal foreword from Harry Christopher's within the booklet.