The Purcell Quartet (Catherine Mackintosh & Catherine Weiss, violins; Richard Boothby, bass viol; and Robert Woolley, bass) is building up quite a nice discography for itself and for Chandos. Joined here by bass viol player Susanna Pell, the group’s stylish readings of Couperin instrumental suites, or “ordres”, are a delight. The center of attention and the best known compositions on this disc undoubtedly are those from Les Nations. The ensemble plays two ordres from that collection, the first entitled “La Françoise” and the second, “L’Espagnole”. Each suite is a whirl of miniature pleasures–a zippy courante here, a more tender rondeau there–but each movement is so perfectly manufactured and so beautifully played that they stand repeated hearings. All are infused with tremendous energy and verve, and there’s no doubt how much fun these players are having with Couperin’s shimmering dances.
The remainder of the program is equally delectable. There’s a third ordre, a shorter and somewhat enigmatically-named suite called La Sultane, and in conclusion, one of Couperin’s concerts, this one for two viols. As with the Nations suites, the playing is so lilting and lovely that we can only wish for a follow-up volume. The sound is full, clear, and realistic.
