Britten Thematic Catalogue

Beta Version

BTC1034 PURCELL: DIDO AND AENEAS, Z 626

Opera in three acts, realized and edited by Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst
Period of composition: 1950 - ca. spring 1951
Revised: 1958-59

Largely overseen by Imogen Holst, after comparison of the Tenbury and Ohki manuscripts of Purcell's work, and the editorial commentary included in the published full and miniature scores.

Genre: Purcell realization
Text: Nahum Tate
Performing forces:

Cast and orchestra

Principals: Dido sop, Aeneas ten or bar, Belinda sop, Second woman sop, Sorceress mez, First Witch mez, Second Witch mez, Spirit sop, First Sailor sop or ten

Chorus of Courtiers, Witches and Sailors

Orchestra: hpd - str

Duration: 50'

Notes

A production of Dido and Aeneas for the 1951 English Opera Group season was discussed as early as March 1950. The original version of the realization seems to have been prepared by Britten, with practical help from Imogen Holst, who copied the score.

All content copyright (C) Britten-Pears Foundation 2012 unless stated. Please note all BTC numbers are provisional at this stage.