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Dido and Aeneas

Composer and librettist

Music:Henry Purcell Lyrics:Nathum Tate, after Virgil.

Libretto

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Première

Première at Josiah Priests school for girls in Chelsea 1689.

Role Voicetype
Dido soprano
Belinda soprano
Sailor tenor
Sorceress baritone
Sorceress mezzosoprano
Spirit mezzosoprano
Witch 1 soprano
Witch 2 soprano
Woman 2 soprano

Act 1

Dido queen of Carthage, cannot bring herself to admit her love for the Trojan prince Aeneas, a guest at her court; he is soon to resume his journey in search of a site for a new city to replace Troy. Her confidante Belinda and her courtiers persuade Dido to speak her love and he act ends with general rejoicing.

Act II

A sorceress and her witches plot the downfall of Dido and Carthage.Their plan is to "conjure up a storm" and force the lovers to take refuge in a cave,where an elf, disguised as mercury,will remind Aeneas of his duties. Meanwhile, Dido and aeneas, having spent the night together,are being entertained in a grove by Belinda and a courtier. A strom arises and the lovers are separated;Aeneas enters the witches´cave and is commanded by the false mercury to leave Carthage.

Act III

At the quayside Aeneas´s men are preparing to leave. The witches gloat over their victory and sing of their delight.Back to court, Dido has been informed of her lover´s planned departure and seeks Belindá counsil.The queen confronts Aeneas, silences his excuses and dismisses him.After her lament ("When I am laid in earth") Dido kills herself. Cupids mourn her, scattering roses on her tomb.

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