Henry Purcell's masterpiece Dido and Aeneas

Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas, composed around 1688, is considered an exceptional and seminal work in the history of English opera for several reasons:

1. Musical innovation: Purcell's score demonstrates a remarkable blend of different styles, incorporating elements of French opera, Italian opera, and English masque traditions. The melodic writing is both expressive and deeply emotive, showcasing Purcell's gift for creating memorable melodies.

2. Dramatic unity: Unlike many operas of its time, which often had disjointed plots, Dido and Aeneas maintains a tight dramatic focus and narrative coherence. The story, based on Virgil's Aeneid, follows the tragic love story between Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan hero Aeneas, creating a powerful emotional arc.

3. Characterization: Purcell's music brilliantly captures the essence of each character, from Dido's regal dignity and heartbreaking vulnerability to the mischievous antics of the witches and the sorrowful lamentations of Aeneas. The depth of characterization is remarkable for such a compact opera.

4. Orchestration: Purcell's orchestration is both varied and imaginative, employing a diverse range of instruments, including strings, woodwinds, and brass, to create rich and evocative textures.

5. Groundbreaking use of chorus: The chorus in Dido and Aeneas plays a pivotal role, serving not only as commentators but also as active participants in the drama. Purcell's use of the chorus is considered a significant innovation in opera.

6. Enduring popularity: Despite its relatively short length (around an hour), Dido and Aeneas has remained a beloved and frequently performed work, captivating audiences with its emotional depth, melodic beauty, and dramatic power.

Overall, Dido and Aeneas is a masterpiece that showcases Purcell's genius as a composer and his ability to blend different musical traditions into a cohesive and profoundly moving work of art.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

00:00 Intro
03:44 Ah! Belinda, I am pressed with torment
09:39 If not for mine
18:21 Wayward sisters
23:26 Come along, fellow sailor
26:20 Thy hand, Belinda - Remember me
33:49 Extro

Original videos:
Ah! Belinda, I am pressed with torment    • Janet Baker - Dido & Aeneas - Ah Belinda I...  
If not for mine, for empire’s sake
   • Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, opera in three a...  . (17:54)
Wayward sisters    • "Wayward sisters" performed by Nicholas Ga...  
Come along, fellow sailor    • Purcell: Come Away Fellow Sailors / Mireil...  
Thy hand, Belinda - Remember me    • Purcell: Dido and Aeneas, opera in three a...  . (1:05:48)

Libretto English/German:
https://www.saltovocale.org/wp-conten...