The Station Orchestra
conducted by Warwick Braithwaite

The play The Gordian Knot Untied, for which Purcell wrote incidental music, seems to have disappeared, leaving no traces. A Gentleman's Journal in 1691-92 speaks of the author as a 'Gentleman who writ lately a most ingenious Dialogue concerning Women.'
Purcell's music consists of eight numbers, scored for Strings only. Mr. Holst has arranged these in two Suites and has added Wind parts, duplicating the Strings.
There are five pieces in this First Suite: (1) an Overture, in the characteristic form of the day (a slow Introduction, then a quick section in 'fugal' style, and a few slow bars to conclude); (2) a short Air, keeping up one rhythmic pattern; (3) a Rondeau Minuet, in which the leading tune comes round a number of times, with fresh themes between its appearances; (4) another Air, livelier and longer than the first; and (5) a Jig.

Carol, 'When the Crimson Sun'