 | Henry Purcell Henry Purcell - Rondeau from Abdelazar - In Gabriel's Garden by Wynton Marsalis |  | A complete version of Henry Purcell's "Dido & Aeneas" (No. 1. Dido's Introduction) (Catherine Bott, Emma Kirkby, John Mark Ainsley, Julianne Baird, David Thomas, Sara Stowe, Daniel Lochmann, Michael Chance) I've divided the work itself into five sections, each centered around a key situation of the work. Thus, the first section could be called "Dido's introduction". First, let us note the cast: Dido - Catherine Bott, Belinda - Emma Kirkby, Aeneas - John Mark Ainsley, Second woman - Julianne Baird, Sorceress - David Thomas, Witches - Elizabeth Friday & Sara Stowe, First sailor - Daniel Lochmann, Spirit - Michael Chance. 1. No. 1, "Shake the cloud from off your brow", Belinda's opening arioso as she urges her mistress to adopt a more positive outlook. It's interesting that the whole piece is very sparely orchestrated with only Dido's arias given a simple ground bass line to further outline the importance of the character in the story. 2. No. 2, "Ah! Belinda", Dido's opening "cavatina" of sorts. It's surprising just how "Dido", while being an English opera, is affected by different musical styles, the present piece could have been taken from an Italian opera with its' melting melody and elegant ornamentation, though Purcell is not replicating the style, making something special. As if it wasn't enough, the use of ground bass, possibly signifying Dido's heavy thoughts, makes for a lament of unusual subtlety. The aria itself is speaking of a torment that the queen is unable to fully understand. 3. "Grief increases by concealing", recitative with Belinda first mentioning the Trojan guest, Aeneas, and the heart turmoil he seems to be causing the queen. Here we get a perfect example ... |  | Music for a while - Henry Purcell An aria by Henry Purcell. Philippe Jaroussky and Yoko Namura. |  | Henry Purcell - The Fairy Queen - If love's a sweet passion Henry Purcell (1659-1695) The Fairy Queen "If love's a sweet passion" Veronique Gens, soprano Les artes florissants, dir. William Christie If Love's a Sweet Passion, why does it torment? If a Bitter, oh tell me whence comes my content? Since I suffer with pleasure, why should I complain, Or grieve at my Fate, when I know 'tis in vain? Yet so pleasing the Pain, so soft is the Dart, That at once it both wounds me, and tickles my Heart. I press her Hand gently, look Languishing down, And by Passionate Silence I make my Love known. But oh! I'm Blest when so kind she does prove, By some willing mistake to discover her Love. When in striving to hide, she reveals all her Flame, And our Eyes tell each other, what neither dares Name. Ye Gentle Spirits of the Air, appear; Prepare, and joyn your tender Voices here. Cath, and repeat the Trembling Sounds anew, Soft as her Sighs and sweet as pearly dew, Run new Division, and such Measures keep, As when you lull the God of Love asleep. Gemälde: JH Füssli, Titania erwacht, 1793/94 Véronique Gens: veroniquegens.com | |
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