Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Henry Purcell's masterpiece, "Dido and Aeneas," a seminal work in the realm of Baroque opera. This 1989 release by Archiv Produktion captures the essence of Purcell's compositional genius, offering a rich tapestry of choral and orchestral brilliance. Spanning a concise yet impactful 53 minutes, the album is a testament to Purcell's ability to convey deep emotion and dramatic narrative through music.
The opera, based on the legendary love story of Dido, Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan hero Aeneas, is presented in its entirety, from the stirring Overture to the poignant final notes. The tracklist includes iconic pieces such as "Dido's Lament" ("When I Am Laid in Earth"), a hauntingly beautiful aria that showcases Purcell's mastery of melodic expression. The album also features a variety of dances and choral numbers that add depth and texture to the dramatic unfolding of the story.
Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas" is not just an opera but a journey through the complexities of love, duty, and fate. The choral and orchestral performances on this recording are exemplary, bringing to life the rich harmonies and intricate counterpoint that Purcell is known for. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to one of the most significant works in the Baroque repertoire.
Tracks
Dido and Aeneas: OvertureHenry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626 / Act I: "Shake the Cloud from Off Your Brow" - "Banish Sorrow, Banish Care"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Lynne Dawson, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act I: "Ah! Belinda, I Am Press'd" ... "When Monarchs Unite, How Happy"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Anne Sofie von Otter, Lynne Dawson, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act I: "Whence Could So Much Virtue Spring?" - "Fear No Danger"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Anne Sofie von Otter, Lynne Dawson, Sarah Leonard, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act I: "See, Your Royal Guest Appears" - "Cupid Only Throws the Dart"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Lynne Dawson, Stephen Varcoe, Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act I: "If Not for Mine, for Empire's Sake" ... "To the Hills and the Vales"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Stephen Varcoe, Lynne Dawson, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act I: The Triumphing DanceHenry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Dido and Aeneas / Act II: Prelude for the Witches "Wayward Sisters" ... "Ho, ho, ho"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Nigel Rogers, Elisabeth Priday, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act II: "Ruin'd Ere the Set of Sun" ... "But Ere We This Perform"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Elisabeth Priday, Carol Hall, Nigel Rogers, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act II: "In Our Deep Vaulted Cell"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act II: Echo Dance of FuriesHenry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Dido and Aeneas / Act II: Ritornelle - "Thanks to These Lonesome Vales"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Lynne Dawson, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act II: "Oft She Visits"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Sarah Leonard
Dido and Aeneas / Act II: "Behold, Upon My Bending Spear" - "Haste, Haste to Town"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Stephen Varcoe, Anne Sofie von Otter, Lynne Dawson, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act II: "Stay, Prince"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Kym Amps, Stephen Varcoe
Dido and Aeneas / Act III: Prelude - "Come Away, Fellow Sailors"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Nigel Rogers, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act III: The Sailors' Dance "See the Flags and Streamers Curling"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Nigel Rogers, Elisabeth Priday, Carol Hall
Dido and Aeneas / Act III: "Our Next Motion" - "Destructions's Our Delight"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Nigel Rogers, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas / Act III: The Witches' DanceHenry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Dido and Aeneas / Act III: "Your Counsel All is Urg'd in Vain" - "Great Minds Against Themselves Conspire"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, Anne Sofie von Otter, Lynne Dawson, Stephen Varcoe, The English Concert Choir
Dido and Aeneas, Act III: No. 36, Recit. Thy Hand, Belinda – No. 37, Song. When I Am Laid in Earth "Dido's Lament"Henry Purcell, Anne Sofie von Otter, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock
Dido and Aeneas / Act III: "With Drooping Wings"Henry Purcell, The English Concert, Trevor Pinnock, The English Concert Choir
Whether you're just starting your vinyl collection or have been spinning for years, the right turntable makes all the difference. We've selected the best options for every budget.
Whether a review is positive, negative, or neutral, we always publish it. However, we screen every review to ensure it is authentic and free of profanity. These checks happen automatically, though a human occasionally steps in. We never pay for reviews.
Looking for "Purcell: Dido and Aeneas" on vinyl?
We don't have a live price right now, but stock fluctuates daily. You can check for hidden stock on Amazon directly, or let us alert you as soon as it is available.
