McCreesh’s production rises to the occasion: original voicing, unorthodox continuo, project-specific trumpet design and rediscovered string techniques bring out qualities missing from earlier recordings. The choir transforms on command from a lightly teasing ensemble to a thundering chorus…Singers’ additions, which stand out gloriously against a plucked-string-only accompaniment, cause amorous solos to ooze desire…Extremes, as McCreesh shows, belong to the fantastic worlds of The Fairy Queen.

I’m putting McCreesh’s Fairy Queen near the top of my favorites list because of its refinement of mood and atmosphere, the perfectly effortless execution of vocal decorations, and the conductor’s masterly musicianship. Signum’s recorded sound is everything it could be; full texts and extensive program notes are provided.

The flexible interactions between nine soloists (with three additional singers in choruses) is impeccable...Sampson’s gossamer-like ‘Ye gentle spirits of the air’ is accompanied with imagination and tact by harpsichordist Jan Waterfield...Even if a splash more extrovert energy and tauter speeds here and there might have yielded more theatrical fizz, McCreesh’s labour of love has abundant nuances and transcendent beauty.

For [McCreesh's] work there can again be nothing but praise, from the subtle subdued hues produced by his strings, set up and bowed in accord with 17th-century practice, to the gossamer-like touch he brings to so much of the score...All the singing recognizes that Purcell’s performers were actor-singers, their diction and enunciation being notable for a strong sense of communication that could serve as an exemplar to others.

Their trademark approach to authenticity continues to be a winning formula – recapturing the spirit, rather than the precise letter, of the original – and the performers all flit effortlessly between the narrative’s changes of mood. I can’t think of anyone who could give a better rendition of this Restoration “feel-good” masterpiece.

A fine recording, scholarly and sensitive, as McCreesh and his performers give their impressive all to the miraculous score.

Two aspects hit me on the head as I listened with a persistent grin to this performance...One was the musicians’ airy bounce, evident from the string ensemble’s first notes...Trumpets are glorious, and the continuo strummers on theorbo and guitar always bring joy. Even the zestiest of past recordings now seem earthbound placed alongside. McCreesh’s singers, too, are a gorgeous bunch...Don’t miss this wonderful Fairy Queen. It will recharge your batteries, maybe even change your life.