He's ingeniously rethought Mrs Purcell's arbitrary ordering, and ends with the magnificent chaconne-driven G minor Sonata Z807, using the so-called 'Golden Sonata' as a central pivot with sonatas in rising fourths before it, and descending thirds after. It's a cogent call, creating a satisfying set.

The recording...has crisp clarity of detail, and these performances have direct impact in quick music...yet frequently the defining characteristic of these compelling performances is when Heinrich's viol and the continuo group reach down towards their lowest bass notes.

Cecilia Bernardini and Huw Daniel dazzle with glittering virtuosity in the mighty Chaconne which constitutes the G minor Sonata, Z807 and ooze pathos in the gracefully agonized dissonances of the opening Adagio from the D minor Sonata, Z805.

all show Purcell at his most ingenious, the counterpoint combining cerebral device and ear-tickling charm in equal measure.

Exquisitely performed by The King’s Consort the sonatas possess a sweet, winning melancholy.

This recording is worth hearing for the amazing crunchy harmonies at the end of track six alone!...Violinists Cecilia Bernardini and Huw Daniel are expert in all the counterpoint, and the continuo group is poised and fresh.

There is no hint in them of anything approaching the formulaic: each sonata has its own distinctive personality...Purcell’s inventiveness is consistent throughout the programme, and its spirit is alive in these performances.

[King] brings out the brilliantly quirky and utterly English way Purcell had with harmony and counterpoint...Such outrageously good music is something one can return to over and over again, especially in these very fine accounts.