A 'catch' is a musical epigram, a neat and witty contrivance from which, in performance, some point of humour or hidden meaning emerges. This extensive collection of catches offers 224 fine examples from a catch club's repertory, a selection founded on the actual performance and enjoymant of the catches concerned. Many are rarities and are published here for the first time. Major composers - Purcell, Blow, Wise, Hilton and others - are well represented by a choice selection of their best catches.
Includes full introduction, composer biographies, notes on the catches, and appedices.