Abdelazer was a 17th century masque - a blend of poetry, dance, and instrumental music especially popular at the court of James I of England. Purcell wrote the music in 1695. This rondeau is a short dance in the masque which would probably have been forgotten had not Benjamin Britten made it popular when he used it as the theme for his "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra."
Abdelazer was a 17th century masque - a blend of poetry, dance, and instrumental music especially popular at the court of James I of England. Purcell wrote the music in 1695. This rondeau is a short dance in the masque which would probably have been forgotten had not Benjamin Britten made it popular when he used it as the theme for his "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra." David Farnon's stylish score expands the original theme and varies it in accordance with 17th century practice.
