Any fans of one of Britain's greatest composers? We all know Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary and his popular opera Dido and Aeneas. I don't think there is anything of his that I've heard that I didn't like.

I'm also kicking myself for not mentioning him in an earlier thread about composers who should have lived longer than was posted on the main music discussion forum. He died in his mid-thirties... this is by all accounts tragic.

I haven't heard anything other than Dido & Aeneas and I loved that. Amazing.

Same story as World Violist, the Dutch Opera had a rather controversial version with genitals shown and screaming children on stage.

I saw a concert of some of his Hymns. Nice, but kind of repetitive.

...which can be watched here.

Quite a good production, IMO. Purcell's music is heavenly, especially Dido. Pity that his other operas have mostly spoken roles.

This links to the film with Maria Ewing which I watched recently on DVD. I'm sure I would have noticed genitals. Did I miss something?

Anyway I also think it's a good production.

The only thing that puzzles me about Dido is that you seem to be plunged straight into the middle of the story. Why is Dido so depressed? I suppose an audience contemporary with Purcell would be more au fait with their Greek ancient history and wouldn't need an introduction.

I believe there is a version on DVD coming out which supplies an introduction in the form of recited poetry. Sounds intriguing.

http://www.forumopera.com/index.php?...t01returnid=55

Edit: actually re-reading the review it says that the prologue was lost and Dido is in mourning for her first husband. What a tragic love-life!

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Natalie

You are right, good call. My apologies.

Yes, I love this production as well, but I still prefer the Decca Legends CD with Janet Baker as Dido. The lament overwhelms me every single time, me not even being a huge opera fan. Another thing I love about Purcell's opera is that for once, it's in English, not Italian!

But then Le Nozze di Figaro is my favorite of all time, so I can't really say that.

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“I thought with fury of the wonderful American orchestras that cared nothing for my music; of the critics who repeated for the hundredth time, 'Beethoven is a great composer,' while balking violently at new works; of the managers who arranged long tours for artists playing the same hackneyed programs fifty times over.” ~ Serge Prokofiev