Immerse yourself in the timeless masterpiece of Henry Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas," a seminal work in the Baroque opera repertoire, beautifully captured in this 2008 release from Prima Voce. This album features the legendary Kirsten Flagstad in the title role of Dido, Queen of Carthage, delivering a performance that has been celebrated for its depth and emotional resonance. The recording, originally made in 1952, showcases Flagstad's extraordinary vocal prowess and her ability to convey the tragic tale of Dido and Aeneas with unparalleled grace and power.
The album spans a full 76 minutes, encompassing the complete opera, including the iconic "Dido's Lament," a piece that has become one of the most famous arias in classical music. The choral and orchestral performances are equally compelling, bringing to life the rich tapestry of Purcell's score. The inclusion of Wagner's "Brunnhilde's Immolation" from "Götterdämmerung" adds an extra layer of depth, highlighting Flagstad's versatility as a singer.
This release is a treasure for both Purcell enthusiasts and those new to his work. The historical significance of the recording, combined with Flagstad's legendary interpretation, makes this album a vital addition to any classical music collection. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a curious newcomer, this album offers a profound and moving experience that underscores the enduring power of Purcell's music.
(C) 2008 Wyastone Estate Limited
Tracks
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626: Overture (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, The Mermaid Orchestra, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Shake the Cloud from Off Your Brow (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Ah! Belinda, I Am Prest (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Kirsten Flagstad, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Whence Could So Much Virtue Spring? (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Kirsten Flagstad, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Fear No Danger to Ensue (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: See, Your Royal Guest Appears (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Kirsten Flagstad, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Thomas Hemsley, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: The Triumphing Dance (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, The Mermaild Orchestra, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Prelude for the Witches (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, The Mermaid Orchestra, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Wayward Sisters, You That Fright (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Arda Mandikian, Anna Pollak, Sheila Rex, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: In Our Deep Vaulted Cell (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Chorus, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Echo Dance (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, The Mermaid Orchestra, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Ritornelle (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, The Mermaid Orchestra, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Thanks to These Lovesome Vales (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Oft She Visits This Lone Mountain (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Behold, Upon My Bending Spear (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Kirsten Flagstad, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Thomas Hemsley, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Stay, Prince (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, David Lloyd, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Then Since Our Charmes Have Sped (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Chorus, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: The Groves Dance (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, The Mermaid Orchestra, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Prelude (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, The Mermaid Orchestra, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Come Away, Fellow Sailors (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, David Lloyd, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: The Sailor's Dance (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, The Mermaid Orchestra, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: See the Flags and Streamers Curling (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Arda Mandikian, Anna Pollak, Sheila Rex, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: A Dance (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, The Mermaid Orchestra, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Your Counsel All is Urg'd in Vain (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Kirsten Flagstad, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Thomas Hemsley, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: But Death, Alas! I Cannot Shun (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Kirsten Flagstad, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Thy Hand Belinda (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Kirsten Flagstad, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: When I Am Laid In Earth (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Kirsten Flagstad, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III: With Drooping Wings Ye Cupids Come (Recorded 1952)Henry Purcell, Chorus, Geraint Jones, Mermaid Singers And Orchestra
Götterdämmerung, WWV. 86D: Starke Scheite schichten mir dort (Brunnhilde's Immolation) (Recorded 1948)Richard Wagner, Kirsten Flagstad, Wilhelm Furtwängler, Philharmonia Orchestra