Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Henry Purcell's masterful compositions with this exquisite album, featuring his sole opera, "Dido and Aeneas," and the lesser-known gem, "Circe." This recording, released on October 14, 2022, under the Aparté label, offers a captivating journey through the Baroque era, showcasing Purcell's unparalleled genius in vocal and instrumental music.
The album opens with Purcell's most renowned work, "Dido and Aeneas," a tragic opera that tells the heart-wrenching story of the love between the Carthaginian queen Dido and the Trojan hero Aeneas. With a running time of just over an hour, this performance is expertly directed by musical director and harpsichordist Emmanuelle Haïm, who leads the period instrument group, Le Concert d'Astrée. The ensemble's vibrant and authentic playing style brings Purcell's score to life, while the talented cast of singers delivers a powerful and nuanced performance.
Camille Allérat shines as Dido, her passionate voice conveying the queen's depth of feeling, while Renato Dolcini as Aeneas brings dramatic intensity to his role. Julie Roset and Anthea Pichanick also deliver standout performances as Belinda and the Sorceress, respectively, adding layers of richness to the opera's complex narrative.
Following "Dido and Aeneas," the album presents "Circe," a semi-opera that features a series of dramatic scenes and dances. This work showcases Purcell's versatility and innovation, with its enchanting melodies and intricate harmonies. The album's diverse tracklist, featuring both well-known arias and lesser-heard pieces, offers a comprehensive exploration of Purcell's operatic genius.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, this album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The stunning performances, expert direction, and meticulous attention to historical detail make this recording an essential addition to any music lover's collection. Whether you're a seasoned Purcell aficionado or a curious explorer of Baroque music, this album promises an unforgettable listening experience.
2022 Little Tribeca2022 Little Tribeca
Tracks
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626: OvertureHenry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: Shake the Cloud from Off Your Brow (Belinda)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Julie Roset
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: Banish Sorrow, Banish Care (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: Ah! Belinda, I Am Press'd with Torment (Dido)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Camille Allérat
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: Grief Increases by Concealing (Belinda, Dido)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Julie Roset, Camille Allérat
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: When Monarchs Unite, How Happy Their State (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: Whence Could so Much Virtue Spring? (Dido, Belinda)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Camille Allérat, Julie Roset
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: Fear no Danger to Ensue (Belinda, Second Woman, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Ana Vieira Leite, Jonas Descotte, Julie Roset, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: See, Your Royal Guest Appears (Belinda, Æneas, Dido)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Julie Roset, Renato Dolcini, Camille Allérat
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: Cupid Only Throws the Dart (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: If Not for Mine, for Empire's Sake (Æneas, Belinda)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Renato Dolcini, Julie Roset
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: To the Hills and the Vales (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I, The Palace: The Triumphing DanceHenry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1, The Cave: Prelude for the Witches. Wayward Sisters, You That Fright (Sorceress). Harm's Our Delight (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Anthea Pichanick, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1, The Cave: The Queen of Carthage, Whom We Hate (Sorceress). Ho, Ho, Ho (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Anthea Pichanick, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II, The Cave: Ruin'd Ere the Set of Sun? (Two Witches, Sorceress). Ho, Ho, Ho (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Ana Vieira Leite, Anthea Pichanick, Jonas Descotte, Julie Roset, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1, The Cave: But Ere We This Perform (Two Witches)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Ana Vieira Leite, Julie Roset
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1, The Cave: In Our Deep Vaulted Cell (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1, The Cave: Echo Dance of the FuriesHenry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1, The Cave: RitornelleHenry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2, The Grove: Thanks to These Lonesome Vales (Belinda, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Julie Roset, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2, The Grove: Oft She Visits This Lone Mountain (Second Woman)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Ana Vieira Leite
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2, The Grove: Behold, Upon My Bending Spear (Æneas, Dido)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Renato Dolcini, Camille Allérat
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2, The Grove: Haste, Haste to Town (Belinda, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Julie Roset, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2, The Grove: Stay, Prince, and Hear Great Jove's Command (Spirit, Æneas)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Leo Fernique, Renato Dolcini
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1, The Ships: Come Away Fellow Sailors (First Sailor, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes, Pierre Arpin
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1, The Ships: The Sailors' DanceHenry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1, The Ships: See the Flags and Streamers Curling (Sorceress, Two Witches)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Anthea Pichanick, Ana Vieira Leite, Julie Roset
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1, The Ships: Our Next Motion (Sorceress)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Anthea Pichanick
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1, The Ships: Destruction's Our Delight (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1, The Ships: The Witches' DanceHenry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Your Counsel All Is Urg'd in Vain (Dido, Belinda, Æneas)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Camille Allérat, Julie Roset, Renato Dolcini
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: But Death, alas! I cannot shun (Dido)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Camille Allérat
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Great Minds Against Themselves Conspire (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: Thy Hand Belinda; Darkness Shades Me (Dido)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Camille Allérat
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: When I Am Laid in Earth (Dido)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Camille Allérat
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 2: With Drooping Wings (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Circe, Z. 575: We Must Assemble by a Sacrifice (Second Priest, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes, Renato Dolcini
Circe, Z. 575: Their Necessary Aid You Use (First, Second and Third Priests)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Augustin Laudet, Renato Dolcini, Anthea Pichanick
Circe, Z. 575: The Air, With Music Gently Wound (Second Priest, Third Priest)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Renato Dolcini, Anthea Pichanick
Circe, Z. 575: The Air, With Music Gently Wound (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Circe, Z. 575: Come Every Demon (First Priest)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Augustin Laudet
Circe, Z. 575: Circe, the Daughter of the Sun Obey (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Circe, Z. 575: You Who Hatch Factions (First Priest)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Augustin Laudet
Circe, Z. 575: Circe the daughter of the Sun obey (Chorus) IIHenry Purcell, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Circe, Z. 575: Magicians' Dance (Part 1)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte
Circe, Z. 575: Pluto, Arise! (Second Priest)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte, Renato Dolcini
Circe, Z. 575: Magicians' Dance (Part 2)Henry Purcell, Les Argonautes, Jonas Descotte
Circe, Z. 575: Lovers, Who to Their First Embraces Go (First and Second Women, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Ana Vieira Leite, Augustin Laudet, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
Circe, Z. 575: Great Minister of Fate (Chorus). At Your Dread Word (Second Woman)Henry Purcell, Augustin Laudet, Jonas Descotte, Les Argonautes
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