Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Henry Purcell's masterpiece, "Dido and Aeneas," a seminal work in the classical and choral genres. Released on October 1, 1995, under the esteemed Chandos label, this album captures the essence of Purcell's baroque brilliance in a concise yet powerful 55-minute journey.
The album is a complete recording of Purcell's only surviving opera, a tragic love story that unfolds through a series of enchanting arias, choruses, and dances. The narrative revolves around the ill-fated love between Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, the Trojan hero, set against the backdrop of betrayal and destiny.
Henry Purcell's composition is a testament to his extraordinary talent, blending intricate vocal lines with rich orchestration to create a deeply moving and dramatic experience. The album features a stellar cast of performers who bring the characters to life with their exquisite vocal prowess and emotional depth.
From the hauntingly beautiful "When I am laid in earth" (Dido's Lament) to the lively and rhythmic "Sailors' Dance" and "Witches' Dance," the album showcases the full range of Purcell's musical genius. The choral sections, in particular, are a highlight, demonstrating the power and precision of the ensemble singing.
"Purcell: Dido & Aeneas" is not just an album; it's a journey through one of the most significant works in the baroque opera repertoire. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this recording offers a profound and unforgettable listening experience. Let the timeless music of Henry Purcell transport you to the world of Dido and Aeneas, where love, betrayal, and destiny intertwine in a tapestry of sound.
Tracks
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626: OvertureHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Shake the cloud from off your brow (Belinda, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Rebecca Evans, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Ah! Belinda I am prest (Dido)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Maria Ewing
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Grief increases by concealing (Belinda, Dido)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Rebecca Evans, Maria Ewing
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: When monarchs unite (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Whence could so much virtue spring (Dido, Belinda)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Maria Ewing, Rebecca Evans
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Fear no danger to ensue (Belinda, Second Woman, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Rebecca Evans, Patricia Rozario, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: See, your royal guest appears (Belinda, Aeneas, Dido)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Rebecca Evans, Karl Daymond, Maria Ewing
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Cupid only throws the dart (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: If not for mine (Aeneas)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Karl Daymond
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Pursue thy conquest, Love (Belinda)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Rebecca Evans
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: To the hills and the vales (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act I: Triumphin DanceHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Wayward sisters (Sorceress)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Sally Burgess
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Harm's our delight (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: The Queen of Carthage (Sorceress)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Sally Burgess
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Ha ha ha! (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Ruin'd ere the set of sun? (Witches)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Mary Plazas, Pamela Helen Stephenson
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Ha ha ha ha! (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: But ere we this perform (Witches)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Mary Plazas, Pamela Helen Stephenson
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: In our deep vaulted cell (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 1: Echo Dance of FuriesHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: RitornelleHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Thanks to these lonesome vales (Belinda, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Rebecca Evans, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Oft she visits this lov'd mountain (Second Woman)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Patricia Rozario
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Behold upon my bending spear (Aeneas, Dido)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Karl Daymond, Maria Ewing
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Haste, haste to town (Belinda, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Rebecca Evans, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act II Scene 2: Stay, Prince (Spirit, Aeneas)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, James Bowman, Karl Daymond
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Prelude. Come away (First Sailor, Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Jamie MacDougall, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: The Sailors' DanceHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: See the flags and streamers curling (Sorceress, Witches)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Sally Burgess, Mary Plazas, Pamela Helen Stephenson
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Our next motion (Sorceress)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Sally Burgess
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Destruction's our delight (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: The Witches' DanceHenry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Your consel all is urg'd in vain (Dido, Belinda, Aeneas)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Maria Ewing, Rebecca Evans, Karl Daymond
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Great minds against themselves conspire (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: Thy hand, Belinda (Dido)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Maria Ewing
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: When I am laid in earth (Dido)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Maria Ewing
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, Act III Scene 1: With drooping wings ye Cupids come (Chorus)Henry Purcell, Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90, Collegium Musicum 90 Choir
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