In March 1700 a group of English nobles offered a 'Musick Prize' for the best setting of Congreves' libretto, The Judgement of Paris. The winners were determined by an audience poll following a marathon performance of all the entrants.
It was suggested the contest was rigged, but Weldon was the unexpected winner, while Purcell's rival, John Eccles, came second. Weldon and Eccles' settings still survive and, when performed together, make a wonderful evening, with competitive vocal fireworks from the divas in each piece.
After 300 years, modern audiences can decide for themselves which is the finest setting.
'Pickett, a long-time man-of-the-theatre in the best sense, has assembled as goodly a company of singers and players as one could hope for' (Gramophone).
