DIDO'S LAMENT - PURCELL - ORGAN

Dido and Aeneas (Z. 626) is an opera in a prologue and three acts, written by the English Baroque composer Henry Purcell with a libretto by Nahum Tate. The dates of the composition and first performance of the opera are uncertain. It was composed no later than July 1688.

WHEN I AM LAID IN EARTH (DIDO'S LAMENT) - PURCELL - ORGAN OF DERBY CATHEDRAL - JONATHAN SCOTT.

About the piece

"When I am laid in earth" is an aria from Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas. The aria is preceded by a recitative called "Thy hand, Belinda". The piece is the dramatic climax of the opera. 

Performance

The aria is traditionally played by the massed military bands of the Guards Division at the Cenotaph each Remembrance Sunday. It is also suitable for sacred, memorial, and solemn occasions. 

The first performance may have taken place as early as 1 December 1687, and evidence suggests that the opera was performed at the school again in 1689.

SEE ALSO:

PURCELL - RONDEAU (ABDELAZER);

Henry Purcell - Classical Music (9 of 20);

THE BIRTH OF BRITISH MUSIC (1 of 4);

CLASSICAL MUSIC / MÚSICA CLÁSSICA.

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