English composer Henry Purcell composed the opera Dido and Aeneas in 1688. The opera is based on the story of the Carthaginian queen Dido and the Trojan hero Aeneas from Virgil’s epic poem “The Aeneid.” The opera’s libretto was written by Nahum Tate. Dido and Aeneas is one of the most famous operas in the English language and is often performed around the world.
Who Composed ‘Dido and Aeneas’?
‘Dido and Aeneas’ is an opera composed by Henry Purcell with a libretto by Nahum Tate. Here’s a detailed explanation of the structure of the composition:
Prologue
- Sets the stage for the opera’s central conflict
- Introduces the allegorical characters Venus (representing love) and Mercury (representing duty)
Act 1
- Scene 1:
- Introduces Dido, Queen of Carthage, and her sister Belinda
- Dido mourns the death of her husband Sychaeus and vows to remain chaste
- Scene 2:
- Aeneas and his Trojan companions arrive in Carthage
- Dido welcomes them and offers shelter
Act 2
- Scene 1:
- Dido falls deeply in love with Aeneas
- They sing the famous duet, “When I am laid in earth”
- Scene 2:
- The sorceress and prophetess, Belinda, plots to destroy the relationship between Dido and Aeneas
- Scene 3:
- Juno and Venus manipulate events to ensure Aeneas fulfills his destiny to found Rome
Act 3
- Scene 1:
- Mercury delivers a message from Jupiter, ordering Aeneas to leave Carthage
- Dido is heartbroken and curses Aeneas
- Scene 2:
- Aeneas’s ships set sail for Italy
- Dido witnesses their departure and dies of a broken heart
Structure Table
| Act | Scene | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prologue | N/A | Introduction of Venus and Mercury |
| Act 1 | Scene 1 | Dido’s mourning and vow of chastity |
| Act 1 | Scene 2 | Introduction of Aeneas and welcome by Dido |
| Act 2 | Scene 1 | Dido’s love for Aeneas and famous duet |
| Act 2 | Scene 2 | Belinda’s plot to destroy their relationship |
| Act 2 | Scene 3 | Juno and Venus manipulate events |
| Act 3 | Scene 1 | Aeneas receives order to leave Carthage |
| Act 3 | Scene 2 | Dido’s heartbreak, curse, and death |
Musical Style
- The opera combines elements of English and Italian Baroque styles
- Features elaborate recitatives, arias, and choruses
- Includes instrumental interludes and dances
Question 1: Who is the composer of the opera “Dido and Aeneas”?
Answer: Henry Purcell composed the opera “Dido and Aeneas.”
Question 2: What genre is the opera “Dido and Aeneas”?
Answer: “Dido and Aeneas” is a Baroque opera.
Question 3: When was the opera “Dido and Aeneas” first performed?
Answer: The opera “Dido and Aeneas” was first performed in 1689.
And there you have it, folks! The mystery of who composed “Dido and Aeneas” has been solved, at least to the best of our knowledge. Thanks for sticking with me on this musical journey. If you enjoyed this little history lesson, be sure to check back for more fascinating stories from the world of music. In the meantime, keep humming those catchy tunes!