Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Henry Purcell's masterpiece, "Dido and Aeneas," as brought to life in this captivating 2008 release by Prima Voce. This album is a stunning rendition of Purcell's only true opera, a tragic love story set to some of the most enchanting music of the Baroque era. The libretto, penned by Nahum Tate, weaves a tale of passion, betrayal, and heartbreak, all underscored by Purcell's exquisite compositions.
The album features the legendary Kirsten Flagstad in the title role of Dido, Queen of Carthage, alongside the incomparable Elisabeth Schwarzkopf and a stellar cast of vocalists. The Mermaid Orchestra, conducted by Geraint Jones, provides a rich and nuanced accompaniment, bringing out the full depth and drama of Purcell's score. The recording, originally made in 1952, has been meticulously restored and remastered, ensuring that every note shines with clarity and brilliance.
Spanning a little over an hour and sixteen minutes, the album includes the complete opera, from the stirring overture to the poignant final scene. Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "When I am laid in earth" (Dido's Lament), a piece that has become one of the most famous arias in the operatic repertoire, and the lively "The Triumphing Dance," showcasing the full range of Purcell's musical genius.
This album is not just a recording; it's a historical document, capturing a pivotal moment in the careers of some of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. It's a testament to the enduring power of Purcell's music and the timeless appeal of the story of Dido and Aeneas. Whether you're a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the world of classical music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
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
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