Henry Purcell: Dido's Lament (Dido and Aeneas); Anna Dennis, soprano, with Voices of Music 4K UHD

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Dido's Lament, "When I am laid in earth," from Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas, performed on original instruments. Anna Dennis, soprano, with Voices of Music. 4K ultra high definition video from the Great Poets concert, January, 2015.
At the end of the 17th century, the English composer Henry Purcell wrote many compositions on a ground bass; this one is his best: each note is perfectly placed, and the deceptively simple lines of the string parts flow from one phrase to the other, creating an accompaniment that is at once homophonic and yet always made up of individual parts. The opening of the aria begins with the bass sounding a chromatic line spanning a fourth, a technique dating back to the chromatic fantasias of Dowland and Sweelinck in the early 17th century.
The meter and lines of the opening recitative are striking: four fragmented lines of text with syllables of nine, seven, eight and seven are reinforced with mismatched words which do not easily form a meter, creating a metrical dissonance; the disintegration of the formal conventions of poetry mirrors the imminent destruction of Dido. The tension and dissonance of the conflicting meters and lines is only resolved in the last line of the aria, which is classical iambic pentameter: "Remember me, but ah! forget my fate." The repetition of the last line creates the impression, both musically and textually, of a heroic couplet, accentuating the closure of Dido's final scene.
Voices of Music
Hanneke van Proosdij and David Tayler
Directors
Carla Moore & Gabrielle Wunsch, baroque violins
Lisa Grodin, baroque viola
Elisabeth Reed, baroque cello
David Tayler, archlute
Hanneke van Proosdij, baroque organ
Text by Nahum Tate, poet laureate
Recit
Thy hand, Belinda, darkness shades me,
On thy bosom let me rest,
More I would, but Death invades me;
Death is now a welcome guest.
Aria
When I am laid in earth
May my wrongs create
No trouble in thy breast;
Remember me, but ah! forget my fate,
Remember me, but ah! forget my fate.
#Purcell #Dido #DidosLament #castlevania
Fun facts: the song is used in Castlevania: Nocturne and Shinoda's Pale Flower

[@bkf3857]

300 years old and still such a masterpiece of human emotion!

[@MrClarkkerr]

I’m always amazed about how bluesy and soulful this sounds for a 330 year old opera aria.

[@celvermeulen6112]

The beauty of sad songs....

[@rumpoh8039]

and J.S BACH and GULLIVER'S TRAVELS by JONATHON SWIFT 1726

[@geoh7777]

That is the most gorgeous lament I have ever heard.

[@redbrian3655]

I love the tempo, the lower Baroque pitch and the delicious performance all around. I appreciate the connected-not-so-many-breath-breaks by Anna. DELICIOUS

[@VoicesofMusic]

Many thanks!

[@HAL011964]

what a beautiful voice she has !!!

[@christiankurek9225]

I have to say: This recording is currently my absolute favourite of Dido´s Lament.

[@olgaerler4111]

What is with Tatiana Troyanos?

[@christiankurek2416]

Honestly I do not know her Rendition. I will correct that - soon 😊

[@elaineblackhurst1509]

This is a beautiful performance and enhanced by a proper English pronunciation of the words.

[@wizardwombat3770]

Jessye Norman and the great Kirsten Flagstad also have good renditions of Dido's Lament - I'd recommend them both! They are available to listen on KZbin.

[@gunda-mariebruce3692]

Same here❤

[@DaveDexterMusic]

I possess a rare fondness for Henry Purcell.

[@Bigbassdrum60]

This is so sad, my mother a very fine Colocatura Soprano I remember sung this for several Funerals. Now that she is gone, it brings great sadness to me.

[@susankenneally4618]

This is beyond beautiful...it brought tears to my eyes.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you so much!

[@elenaritter4069]

Her enunciation is the best I've seen. I didn't realize the lyrics were in English for the first few times I heard other people performing this piece...

[@candidcat493]

Perfect - all musicians matched to one another, music the right tempo, haunting, not too over the top. Best version I've heard for a long time.

[@histonftm]

Entirely agree with this.

[@gregorytaylor9104]

The singing holds to the wisdom of "the less, the more"

[@leadpusherpro]

Clearly the very best version I have heard of this hauntingly sad masterpiece. Such precision between the strings and vocal. Her phrasing is contoured perfectly. I could listen for hours. Thank you !

[@VoicesofMusic]

You are very welcome!

[@racheldemain1940]

I think so too. It's stunning.

[@aceofspades8634]

I really enjoyed this version, but my favourite by far still has to be Dame Janet Baker’s interpretation of this heart-wrenching piece!

[@thomasromano9321]

I realize everyone probably has their favorite interpretations, but have you ever heard Jessye Norman? At least here people say "In my opinion" instead of saying things like, "This is the best version" which would be highly subjective.

[@leadpusherpro]

@@thomasromano9321 yes thank you I have heard hers as well. Yes this is my opinion. That's why I state " this is the best version I HAVE HEARD ". I wasn't speaking for anyone except myself. I think this version is closer to how the original version sounded. Smaller orchestration. No microphones. Quaint acoustics. Beautiful interpretation. But that's my opinion. To each their own !

[@rhodaborrecks]

This is amazing. I don't have the words to describe it. So moving. Performed to such an excellent standard. One of the most emotional pieces of music I've ever heard.

[@GJ-ol5ev]

Unbelievable performance. What a stunning voice Anna Dennis has. Thanks for sharing this.

[@VoicesofMusic]

You're very welcome

[@wbradfordsmith]

This performance is a gift. My upmost thanks to everyone involved.

[@VoicesofMusic]

You are very welcome.

[@drumeaterking]

I’m here from hearing a bit of this from Castlevania… I guess Im into opera now! How gorgeous, and how masterfully done!

[@abrahampena6847]

That is my favorite opera, it is so soft, so sweet ... it makes you sad but still does not allow so you to cry ... simply a work of art. I love her

[@omarmassa1021]

Perhaps the best version I heard of this masterpiece. Exquisite

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you.

[@olgaerler4111]

Да, согласна. Голос прекрасный.

[@Maijn2345]

Agreed.

[@easonshum6061]

This is easily the best version of the piece. The five ’remember me’ have penetrated right through my soul. Anna seems so effortless when singing those beautiful and powerful high Gs. Heavenly!

[@arunachala1]

So very beautifully sung and performed, I am choosing the music for a friends funeral and know he loved this, and so do I.

[@brandytaylor7623]

I chose it almost 25 years ago for my funeral and I still remind my family every 5 years or so. I knew the first time I heard it.

[@TaichiStraightlife]

A Gorgeous & regal singer in every way; what a voice she has, so finely used, what breath control, what a performance!. A sumptuous presentation; the other musicians, the instruments, even the room was perfect. Many, many thanks for this short but nonetheless transporting experience about ultimate matters of life.

[@la124]

This is by far the best and most authentic version of this piece of music I have ever heard.

[@danawinsor1380]

This is simply sublime -- as good as it gets.

[@erick001bc]

"Then it's like a piece of you died."

[@Ninjaananas]

Based Castlevania enjoyer.

[@micahwilliamssr.252]

then i will sing for them both

[@davanfatih]

A masterpiece and an amazing performance by Anna Dennis, bravo!

[@elisamoschella2149]

One of the most perfect execution of this beautiful aria!!!!☀☀☀☀

[@henrygingercat]

What a beautiful voice.

[@parthoroy9141]

When I'm laid in earth, I want this song to be played 🎵 I'll probably have to settle for cremation and a kazoo Wonderful performance by this ensemble as always

[@BIDULILA]

QUELLE VOIX MAGNIFIQUE !!!!

[@domenicogargiulo6218]

Bravissimi! Quest'aria di Purcell sembra provenire da un'altra dimensione.

[@elvisonyx]

Anna, to me captures the essence of this piece. Beautiful PURITY of vocal timbre with the accompanying musicians! I was captivated!

[@trishtraynor1237]

I only heard Anna for the first time in 2016. The first thing I did when I got home was to look on KZbin and iplayer and Amazon, and I think I now have most of her recordings! As well as her musicality and range,She sings honestly and treats every piece with integrity. I’m so grateful to have ‘found’ her. I listen to her every day and always feel better whether it’s early or modern pieces I listen to. The Shops is fab!

[@olgaerler4111]

Она заслуживает большей известности.

[@RudolfKooijman]

Stunningly beautiful.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@jddrew1000]

My favorite song from my favorite opera from one of my second favorite composer!

[@David-df5ur]

A stunning version. The voice, instruments, the acoustics. I wouldn’t listen to any other recording.

[@racheldemain1940]

It's Haunting yet beautiful.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Agree.

[@dickielex]

This recording is simply wonderful recognising as it does that band shares the burden of sadness carried by (the exceptionally good) vocalist. The balance is first class and the cello makes sense- as well as nice music. I really enjoy your approach to 17thC music. Thank you again.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Richard Rathbone You are very welcome; thanks for visiting our channel.

[@heidipinder4098]

Beautifully put Richard.

[@2charliep]

Wow!! Imagine being able to sing like that.

[@kingdavidapple]

When in a university course of music history, I discovered I seem to have been made for music of Bach, Handel and those who came before them. Hearing this by Purcell, with its ground round (chromatic descending scale in the continuo) and unforgettable melody line, I first got the inkling that this was the music to dominate my life. And so it is. Gonzaga University put on a performance of the whole opera about four years ago. The theorbist allowed me to hold his instrument. Made of poplar in the neck and the body thinly of hardwoods to encase and resonate, the light weight of a theorbo surprised me. I thank God for art such as that, and this. Well Played!

[@claireforestgreenorgangeek7882]

Renaissance and Baroque music are the best thing I ever heard in my life.

[@sumuller5755]

Erinnerung an meine große große Liebe, die aber zerbrach. Bin im Laufe des Lebens immer trauriger geworden und nicht übrr diese Liebe hinweg gekommen. Jetzt am Ende meines Lebens kommen die Erinnerungen besonders...In dieser Komposition hat Purcell alle diese starken Emotionen vereint. Wunderschön!

[@morrowcosom]

This piece does a great job of conveying grief and hopelessness.

[@dakotan.2610]

this is one of the best performances i've seen in awhile. gorgeous, i got chills. haunting

[@claireforestgreenorgangeek7882]

You are so right! My sentiments exactly.

[@gunda-mariebruce3692]

Absolutely breathtaking👏🏻 Thank you so much- this really touched my soul ❤️

[@StonyRC]

Sublime … perfect in every way. I struggle to find any other words to describe this music.

[@jaimecorvus6373]

Great voice, such brilliant and moving high notes ! power, but in control, a masterpiece.

[@alloydmorgan]

Very beautiful recording musically. very moving

[@stephanieacquette896]

i've been in love with Anna Dennis' voice since I first saw her 10 years ago performing in Lille (France). Thank you so much for this video.

[@adamaria8026]

Heartbreaking!!! And uplifting also...

[@pandachupa4260]

Voice like a angel

[@PaulSmith-qs1es]

I just saw Anna as Pamina in the Magic Flute in Brainerd MN and had to find more of her. :)

[@TERRYBIGGENDEN]

Sublime! Everythiing is subtle and balanced-beautiful in every way. Eternal music.

[@robinavalyn9513]

By Goddess! What a voice! Brilliant! Thanx for posting!

[@zarabee2880]

Come to the conclusion, Henry Purcell would be my fave artist if I lived back in the day! Exquisite ❤

[@taekomatsutaka3087]

music is my purpose to live.

[@claireforestgreenorgangeek7882]

Mine too. I refer to Renaissance and Baroque music as *the loves of my life.*

[@FolkBoyify]

That is always the truth

[@maxwellgarrison6790]

One of my favorite choral works. I love to play this on my cello.

[@bertcarter6176]

A very moving performance. Thanks for posting.

[@Demosthenesff]

Beautiful. And to think Castlevania brought me here.

[@marieanneusai]

La version la plus pure et la plus émouvante que j’ai jamais entendue .

[@SteffenThole]

Easily one of the two best versions I've heard. The other one was a few weeks ago when the theatre was still able to perform this opera in a Covid safe version. I've seen it thrice in that house, twice with the same soprano, and once by said soprano with such emotion that I was literally left in tears.

[@fluencyenglishcoaching4434]

The best interpretation of Dido's Lament I've ever listened to. Absolutely beautiful.

[@qlnbd]

Wow! So beautiful. Such emotional power and just gorgeous vocals.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you.

[@jocelynelangis777]

Quell e voix magnifique. Écouté au réveil dans mon lit ce matin, une façon unique de commencer la journée. Merci Sue.

[@VoicesofMusic]

de rien!

[@stefool]

Je plussois !!

[@Charlie-fx9dp]

Ce n'est pas pas très stimulant ! Même si c'est sublimement beau...

[@a.jamesstretton3813]

such fabulous music and an exceptionally impressive performance. Quality.

[@sharonhallshipp6011]

stunning

[@1viva]

SO beautiful!!! Gorgeous voice! Thank you. 🖤😌

[@TheThunderboltRock]

Wounderful music, thank you!

[@jwj7101]

so clean best song ever

[@ollehedstrom3536]

What an amazing piece of haunting music!

[@My3uKa75]

Wonderful, truly.

[@chaxologist2961]

A raw masterpiece! So legendary it reinforces the dark tone in Guardians of the Galaxy 3!

[@tonyallen3253]

Simply, a sublime performance

[@lynncookson5234]

Wonderful gift, wonderfully performed, my absolute favourite.

[@vesakaitera2831]

An excellent version.

[@MagicCarpetMusic]

BEAUTIFUL! (And bless you for not allowing adverts to mar this exquisite piece of music). xx

[@jamilayork910]

This is so beautiful! Thank you!

[@piernicofe2214]

una voce meravigliosa

[@ps-ic8pm]

Fantastic, a very sad, but very comforting piece of music timeless in its message and beauty. Perfectly performed, thank you.

[@limppimento55]

My God. Pure genius. Perfectly executed.

[@csermenyizsombor]

bravo! truly one of the best interpretations of this work! well done!

[@zacharitheguy]

Beautiful. The best. Need to see this performed live someday. Thank you for sharing!

[@paulharvey964]

Absolutely exquisite. Divine.

[@prototropo]

Another moving achievement by Voices of Music. My most venerable theory professor in college described this as the perfect gem of the 17th century, and Purcell as the proto-pioneer of Common Practice-the tonal system that for 330 years has commanded, inspired or authorized joy, tears, weddings, armies, victories, coronations, revolutions, awards, masses and funerals in Western Civilization. To that list we should add the college plans, the collage of jobs, haunting regrets, tainting bad bets, romantic evenings, unromantic leavings, recovered selves and mournful bells of life in KZbin Nation! Purcell’s analog life of acoustic music often sounds more appealing!

[@DomJorge70]

Muito bom e assistindo em uma tv 4k o visual fica bem melhor!

[@adam4757]

This is the kind of video which requires a 'love' button.

[@barbie2791]

I agree.

[@silvanicorreiadasilva4554]

Essa ária para soprano é linda! Sempre quis cantá-la, mas como não consegui dar prosseguimento aos estudos de canto erudito hoje só aprecio... Henry Purcell é fabuloso!!!

[@scottlinux]

Amazing performance

[@adamaria8026]

Best rendering ever....

[@VoicesofMusic]

:)

[@llub888]

I love this piece so much

[@spouten10]

Très jolie voix. Merci. Et excellente justesse des cordes.

[@vassilis1980]

Amazing performance!

[@catherinevallette6296]

Cest la meilleure interprétation vocale que je connaisse Avec celle de Kirsten Flagstag, On peut les écouter à la suite l'une de l'autre .. Profondeur, et simplicité extrême, quelle merveille, je ne connaissais pas Anna Dennis ! Merci.

[@floridante15]

Simple masterpiece.

[@kingadams28]

It’s funny because I was just trashing opera but am this masterpiece has brought tears to my eyes. It’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever heard

[@INVERNOrec]

EXCELLENT!

[@marcthomas198]

Perfection

[@olgaerler4111]

Лучшее исполнение этой арии. Голос изумительный и идеальный для барокко.

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thank you.

[@WaroftheDonuts]

When I heard this in the Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack. I listened to this version often, so when I heard it in the movie. I cried. I was also stoned as hell!

[@davidswan3071]

Another beautiful entry in my bed time routine. Such sublime beauty. Thank you for sharing such beauty with the world.

[@VoicesofMusic]

You are so welcome!

[@Twinkydrip]

Perfection. Surely.

[@walterteske598]

Marvelous!

[@magdahearne497]

Superb performance...thank you 💖

[@VoicesofMusic]

Thanks for listening