Music for a while

by Henry Purcell

Brandon Acker (theorbo) and Reginald Mobley (countertenor) performing one of the most beautiful works from the Baroque period.

"Music for a While" is a da capo aria for voice (usually soprano or tenor), harpsichord and bass viol, but in this case - theorbo - by the English Baroque composer Henry Purcell.

Text

Music for a while

Shall all your cares beguile.

Wond'ring how your pains were eas'd

And disdaining to be pleas'd

Till Alecto free the dead

From their eternal bands,

Till the snakes drop from her head,

And the whip from out her hands.

Music for a while

Shall all your cares beguile