The Married Beau

The comedy „The Married Beau, or the Curious Impertinent“ by John Crowne is based on an episode from the first part of Miguel Cervantes’ novel „Don Quixote“. Purcell’s theatre music consists of nine movements. Three movements, Air, Trumpet Air and March, are based on triad arpeggios (fanfares following the music for brass instruments). Purcell shows the manifold possibilities offered by this simple material. Special attention should be given to the „Hornpipe upon a ground“ showing once again Purcell’s skill to combine various forms with each other.