Dido and Aeneas – Details, episodes & analysis

Step into the world of Dido and Aeneas, a captivating opera with a libretto by Nahum Tate and music by the legendary Henry Purcell. First performed in 1689, this masterpiece has solidified its place as a cornerstone of Early Opera. This recording features a unique approach, with the Prologue narrated by a single voice, while the three Acts of the opera are brought to life in a dynamic spoken-word rendition. The narrative draws from Book IV of Virgils Aeneid, weaving a tale of intense passion and heartbreaking tragedy between Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and Aeneas, a Trojan hero destined to establish Rome. Join us as we explore this timeless story of love, fate, and loss, narrated by Alan Mapstone and featuring a talented cast.