CLASSICAL MUSIC: NEW RELEASES

When these recordings first appeared on vinyl 12 years ago, they won unanimous praise, so their CD release is especially welcome. Holman expertly judges the dramatic nature of these suites, which draw on a selection of the Restoration plays for which Purcell wrote incidental music. The most famous of the delightful works here is the irresistible Chacony in G minor. HHHH

Purcell: Ayres for the Theatre The Parley of Instruments, Peter Holman (Hyperion Helios)

Christopher Tye: Three masses Ely Cathedral Choir, Trepte (ASV Gaudemus)

This two-CD set concentrates on the major works of a contemporary of Thomas Tallis who flourished in the reign of Edward VI. The "Peterhouse" Mass is closest to Tallis, but it is the Mass "Euge Bone" that is the most astonishing. Tye was closely associated with Ely Cathedral; the present- day choristers make an admirable case for the work of this master of Tudor church music. HHH