Most of Britten's rich Purcell realizations had previously been out fo print for some years. This new edition, with new music engravings and extensive historical notes, includes 9 songs from Harmonia Sacra, 24 solos songs and 6 duets from Orpheus Britannicus, and selections from Dido and Aeneas and The Fairy Queen.

Contents: Ah! Belinda, I am prest with torment • Alleluia • The Blessed Virgin's Expostulation • But ere we this perform • Come away, fellow sailors • Dialogue of Corydon and Mopsa • Evening Hymn • Fairest Isle • Fear no danger to ensue • Hark the ech'ing air • How blest are shepherds • I attempt from love's sickness to fly • I spy Celia • I take no pleasure • I'll sail upon the Dog-star • If music be the food of love (1st version) • If music be the food of love(3rd version) • In the black dismal dungeon of despair • Job's Curse • Let sullen discord smile • Lord, what is man • Lost is my quiet • Mad Bess • Man is for the woman made • A Morning Hymn • Music for a while • No, resistance is but vain • Not all my torments • Oft she visits this lov'd mountain • On the brow of Richmond Hill • Pious Celinda • Pursue thy conquest, love • The Queen's Epicedium • Saul and the Witch at Endor • Shake the cloud from off your brow • Shepherd, leave decoying • So when the glittering queen of Night • Sound Fame thy brazen trumpet • Sound the trumpet • Sweeter than roses • Take not a woman's anger ill • Thanks to these lonesome vales • There's not a swain of the plain • Thou tun'st this world • 'Tis holiday • Turn then thine eyes • We sing to him • What can we poor females do? • When I am Laid in earth • Why should men quarrel?