Various Composers - Solitude (Reginald Mobley)

Information

1. Henry Purcell - Hail Bright Cecilia, Z. 328: IV. 'Tis Nature's Voice
2. Henry Purcell - Oedipus, Z. 583: No. 2, Music for a While
3. Francesco Corbetta - Chiacona
4. Henry Purcell - O Solitude, My Sweetest Choice, Z. 406
5. Pietro Reggio - David
6. Cesare Morelli, John Blow - Go, Perjured Man
7. Cesare Morelli, Samuel Pepys - Beauty, Retire!
8. Cesare Morelli, Samuel Pepys - Phoebus, God Beloved by Men
9. John Eccles - Ground
10. John Dowland - The Second Book of Songes: No. 2, Flow My Tears
11. John Dowland - The Second Book of Songes: No. 3, Sorrow, Sorrow, Stay, Lend True Repentant Tears
12. John Dowland - Fortune My Foe
13. John Dowland - The Third Booke of Songes: No. 2, Time Stands Still
14. Douglas Balliett - Sam
15. Douglas Balliett - Ely of July
16. Jonathan Woody - Ain't You My Child
17. William Foden - Barcarolle
18. Justin Holland, William Marshall Hutchison - Dream Faces
19. Justin Holland, Caroline Norton - Juanita
20. Justin Holland, Henry Clay Work - The Ship That Never Returned

Reginald Mobley, countertenor

Brandon J. Acker, theorbo, baroque guitar, guitar & bass lute

Douglas Balliett, double bass & viola da gamba

Date: 2025

Label: Alpha Classics

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Following his acclaimed debut album Because, which focused on African American spirituals, American countertenor Reginald Mobley turns to English repertoire in Solitude. Featuring voice, lute, and viola da gamba, the program opens with Purcell’s poignant ’Tis Nature’s Voice and includes works by Dowland and other 17th-century English composers. The journey extends to America, where contemporary composers Jonathan Woody and Douglas Balliett set verses by African American poet Crystal Simone Smith, reflecting resilience and freedom. Joined by Brandon Acker and Douglas Balliett, Mobley concludes with 19th-century songs arranged by Black guitarist and abolitionist Justin Holland.

Born in 1977, Grammy-nominated American countertenor Reginald Mobley is acclaimed worldwide for his interpretations of baroque, classical, and modern repertoire. A passionate advocate for diversity in music, he serves as Programming Consultant for the Handel & Haydn Society, Visiting Artist for Diversity Outreach with Apollo’s Fire, and Artistic Advisor at the Portland Baroque Orchestra. He also leads a UK research project uncovering works by underrepresented composers. Mobley performs extensively across the U.S., Europe, and Asia with major orchestras and ensembles. His debut solo album Because (Alpha Classics) earned the Opus Klassik and Edison Klassiek awards for its artistic excellence.