Dido and AeneasHenry PurcellSynopsis/plotFollowing is a synopsis of Dido and Aeneas (Dido and Æneas). Photos are from the scene production staged by BASOTI in San Francisco, CA during the summer of 2000. Belinda, The Queen Dido's sister, was sung by Elizabeth Harmetz. Not only is Dido and Aeneas England's oldest opera it is the only true Opera that Henry Purcell composed. The rest of his baroque operatic work are considered "semi-operas" in that the drama is predominately conveyed by spoken dialogue. It further distinguishes itself from other operas in the baroque time period in that a major character dies at the end. Dido and Aeneas is an adaptation of a portion of Virgil's Aeneid. In Purcell's Dido and Aeneas, witches are substituted for the Aeneids gods. The Opera is thought to have been a celebration to mark the coronation of protestant monarchs William and Mary, as they are represented in the allegorical prologue as Phœbus and Venus. Dido and Aeneas was first performed at an all girls boarding-school in 1689. A copy of the libretto survives at the Royal Academy of Music in London. The two surviving scores date from half a century later and are considered incomplete. The end of the Grove scene is missing as demonstrated by the it ending in the dominant key of A instead of returning to the original Key of D. This may have been a Chorus or dance movement as there seems no loss of story and Josias Priest the finishing schools headmaster, was a dance master. French opera-ballet tradition proscribes that each section ends with a set piece of dance. Since the original production was most likely an all-woman cast the tenor and bass parts in the chorus where probably added later. The most famous musical pieces are "Ah! Belinda" and Dido's lament (When I am laid in earth). Composer: Henry Purcell SYNOPSIS:Set in Carthage at the court of Queen Dido, in mythical time period. Scene I, Dido's Palace Dido, Queen of Carthage, is brooding in her palace. Belinda suggests her brooding may be due to her love for the Trojan prince Aeneas. Belinda intimates that Aeneas already loves her. Belinda suggests that a union between them both would bring Dido the happiness she deserves and will glorify Carthage. Scene II, Dido's Palace Aeneas, who has just arrived in Carthage after fleeing
from Troy following defeat in the Trojan War, Scene III, The Witches' cave A sorceress with the aid of some witches conspire for Aeneas' departure, Dido's ruination and the destruction of Carthage. Meanwhile, the lovers are embarked upon a hunt as a symbol of courtship. Scene IV, The Grove As the hunting party pauses Belinda, and an accompanying woman, sing of the locations delight. Thunder is heard in the distance. The witches have conjured a storm to bring an end to the lovers hunting party. Dido, who has fully given her love to Aeneas returns safely to the palace. In the storm, the spirit of the sorceress appears before Aeneas, disguised as Mercury and reminds him he must leave and continue his quest as he is fated to be the founder of a new Troy and the Roman Empire. Aeneas laments his fate. Scene V, Harbor Aeneas' men are driven to their ships by the witches and the sailors jovially make ready to leave. The Sorceress and the witches dance to their success. Scene VI, Dido's death Dido fears that Aeneas will abandon her. Aeneas, torn,
seeks to defy the gods and stay. Dido is angered and forces him to
leave: She will not endure a lover who has entertained leaving her.
Belinda fails to appease Dido's grief and Dido plans her own suicide.
As Aeneas ship disappears, Dido throws herself on her funeral pyre. DRAMATIS PERSONAE / CHARACTERS:
SONGS:1. Overture Scene I:
Scene II:
Scene III:
Scene IV:
Scene V:
Scene VI:
(Images courtesy of and used with permission of BASOTI© 2000.) | |
enters
and proclaims his devotion for Dido. Dido accepts his love and the
courtiers celebrate.