Experience the timeless allure of Henry Purcell's masterful chamber opera, "Dido & Aeneas," in this captivating 2015 recording by Signum Records. This album, released on June 1, 2015, offers a fresh and invigorating interpretation of Purcell's only complete opera, a work that has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of British musical heritage.
Spanning a concise yet impactful 50 minutes, this choral and classical gem brings to life the tragic love story of Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, the Trojan hero. The narrative, drawn from Virgil's epic "The Aeneid," is masterfully performed by the Armonico Consort and a talented ensemble of young soloists, each bringing a unique depth and vitality to their roles.
The album features a rich tapestry of arias, choruses, and instrumental pieces that showcase Purcell's unparalleled compositional genius. From the hauntingly beautiful "When I am laid in earth" to the lively "Sailor's Dance," each track is a testament to Purcell's ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and atmospheres.
Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this recording of "Dido & Aeneas" promises an enriching and memorable listening experience. Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Purcell's music and discover why this opera continues to captivate audiences centuries after its creation.
(C) 2015 Signum Records
Tracks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626: OvertureHenry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Belinda & Chorus - “Shake the cloud from off your brow”Henry Purcell, Elin Manahan Thomas, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Dido - “Ah! Belinda, I am press’d with torment”Henry Purcell, Rachael Lloyd, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Belinda & Dido - “Grief increases by concealing”Henry Purcell, Elin Manahan Thomas, Rachael Lloyd, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Chorus - “When monarchs unite, how happy their state”Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Dido & Belinda - “Whence could so much virtue spring?”Henry Purcell, Rachael Lloyd, Elin Manahan Thomas, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Belinda, Second Woman & Chorus - “Fear no danger to ensue”Henry Purcell, Elin Manahan Thomas, Eloise Irving, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Belinda, Aeneas, Dido - “See, your royal guest appears”Henry Purcell, Elin Manahan Thomas, Robert Davies, Rachael Lloyd, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Chorus - “Cupid only throws the dart”Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Aeneas - “If not for mine, for Empire’s sake”Henry Purcell, Robert Davies, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Belinda - “Pursue thy conquest love”Henry Purcell, Elin Manahan Thomas, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1 - Guitars’ ChaconneHenry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: Chorus - “To the hills and the vales”Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I Scene 1: The Triumphing DanceHenry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Prelude for the Witches (Sorceress & First Witch) - “Wayward sisters”Henry Purcell, Roderick Morris, Eloise Irving, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Chorus - “Harm’s our delight”Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Sorceress - “The Queen of Carthage, whom we hate”Henry Purcell, Roderick Morris, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Chorus - “Ho ho ho, ho ho ho!”Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: First & Second Witches, Sorceress - “Ruin’d ere the set of sun?”Henry Purcell, Eloise Irving, Jenni Harper, Roderick Morris, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Chorus - “Ho ho ho, ho ho ho!” (Reprise)Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: First & Second Witches -“But, ere we this perform”Henry Purcell, Eloise Irving, Jenni Harper, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Chorus - “In our deep vaulted cell”Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Echo Dance of FuriesHenry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: RitornelleHenry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Belinda & Chorus - “Thanks to these lonesome vales”Henry Purcell, Elin Manahan Thomas, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Second Woman - “Oft she visits this lone mountain”Henry Purcell, Eloise Irving, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Aeneas & Dido - “Behold, upon my bended spear”Henry Purcell, Robert Davies, Rachael Lloyd, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Belinda & Chorus - “Haste to town”Henry Purcell, Elin Manahan Thomas, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Spirit & Aeneas: “Stay, Prince! and hear great Jove’s command”Henry Purcell, Eloise Irving, Robert Davies, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: The Sailor’s Dance IHenry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Drunken Sailor & Chorus - “Come away, fellow sailors”Henry Purcell, Miles Golding, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: The Sailor’s Dance IIHenry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Sorceress, First & Second Witches - “See, the flags and streamers curling”Henry Purcell, Roderick Morris, Eloise Irving, Jenni Harper, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Sorceress - “Our next motion”Henry Purcell, Roderick Morris, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Chorus - “Destruction’s our delight”Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: The Witches’ DanceHenry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Dido, Belinda & Aeneas - “Your counsel all is urged in vain”Henry Purcell, Rachael Lloyd, Elin Manahan Thomas, Robert Davies, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Chorus - “Great minds against themselves conspire”Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Dido - “Thy hand, Belinda, darkness shades me”Henry Purcell, Rachael Lloyd, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Dido - “When I am laid in earth”Henry Purcell, Rachael Lloyd, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Dido & Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Chorus - “With drooping wings”Henry Purcell, Armonico Consort, Christopher Monks
Henry Purcell, born in 1659 in Westminster, London, is celebrated as England's greatest composer of the Baroque era. Despite his tragically short life, ending at the age of 36 in 1695, Purcell's prolific output and innovative spirit have left an indelible mark on classical music. Known for his over 100 enchanting songs, the heart-wrenching opera "Dido and Aeneas," and his magical incidental music for "The Fairy Queen," a adaptation of Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Purcell's compositions continue to captivate audiences worldwide. His profound influence earned him the title "Orpheus Britannicus" and solidified his status as a pioneer of English music from the Restoration period until the early 20th century. Purcell's musical genius transcends time, making his works essential listening for any classical music enthusiast.
Vinylscout
Henry Purcell
