Overview

Synopsis

Based on Book IV of Virgil’s Aeneid, Dido and Aeneas is Purcell’s only true opera, and his first composition which was written to be sung throughout. Having its first performance at the Josias Priest’s Boarding School for Girls in 1687, it is the perfect opera for student casts, as many of the vocal ranges are narrow and the voice-types are particularly flexible.

Dido, the queen of Carthage, falls in love with Aeneas, the Trojan prince, whilst offering him safe harbour on his journey home. A Sorceress, who hates Dido, plots to separate them by creating a storm and sending one of her servants, disguised as Mercury, to urge Aeneas to return home straight away, forsaking Dido. Aeneas readies his sailors and lets Dido know he must leave. Dido cannot bear losing him and kills herself, after offering one of the most famous English arias, Dido’s Lament (“When I am laid in earth”). In true Baroque style, the action is delivered in short recitative sections interspersed with songs, choruses, and dances.

Show Information

Libretto
Nahum Tate
Category
Opera
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
3
First Produced
1687
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical, Tragedy
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Carthage, Ancient Times
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Small
Dancing
Some Dance
Licensor
None/royalty-free
Ideal For
All-Female Cast, College/University, Mostly Female Cast, Professional Opera, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Medium Cast

Lead Characters

Dido and Aeneas logo

Dido

Lead, Female, Soprano,Mezzo-Soprano

Dido and Aeneas

Dido and Aeneas logo

Aeneas

Lead, Male, Tenor,Baritone

Dido and Aeneas

Dido and Aeneas logo

Sorceress

Lead, Female, Mezzo-Soprano

Dido and Aeneas

Guide Written By:

Wendy Silvester

Wendy Silvester

Singer and vocal coach based in the UK.