Henry Purcell X Jane Austen

A BMT Musical Birthday Dedication

You might not know the name Henry Purcell, but you will undoubtedly recognize this brief piece of classical music from the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice.

I have hand-picked three of my favorite interpretations in honor of a long-time friend and supporter of BMT, Raquelle! Wishing you a very happy birthday!

Each of these versions elicits a different reaction from me. But there is a common thread between the three performances featured today: the affirmation that Henry Purcell created an astounding 2 minutes of music!

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This is the version from the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack that many are familiar with. I appreciate its sparse and delicate qualities, which suit the film. It’s pretty but a loneliness seeps in, making it a unique version.

I must acknowledge, though, that I prefer the next two choices which have a more rounded sound.

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Leave it to the BBC Symphony Orchestra to bring the lushest performance. Beautifully executed.

While the audio quality isn’t terrible, the piece, conductor, and musicians deserve better. Nonetheless, it’s a full, robust interpretation.

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I go back and forth between the Voices of Music version and the BBC Symphony Orchestra one for my favorite.

There’s a weightiness, drama, and crispness here that the other versions never quite achieve. The audio is excellent. An extraordinary find!

I don’t highlight classical music very often, but it’s wonderful to explore it from time-to-time. I have to commend the team behind the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack because it brought this gorgeous, brief song to my (and so many others’) attention. A special piece of music!

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