Dido and Aeneas - Henry Purcell
Information about the opera Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
The first great English opera.
Recommended recordings on CD
Kenny/Connolly/Finley (Chandos Chaconne CHAN 0757)
A marvellous new recording, with Sarah Connolly outstanding as Dido.
Choir of the Age of Enlightenment, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conducted by Elizabeth Kenny.
Cast: Sarah Connolly (Dido), Gerald Finley (Aeneas), Lucy Crowe (Belinda).
Chandos Chaconne CHAN 0757
Jones/Flagstad/Hemsley (Decca 8.111264)
A classic recording of the opera.
Mermaid Singers and Orchestra, conducted by Geraint Jones, 1952.
Cast: Kirsten Flagstad (Dido), Thomas Hemsley (Aeneas), Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (Belinda).
Decca 8.111264 (mono)
Jacobs/Wallace/Finley (Harmonia Mundi HMC90 1683)
A fresh interpretation, well recorded.
Cambridge Clare College Choir, Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conducted by René Jacobs, 1998.
Cast: Stephen Wallace (Dido), Gerald Finley (Aeneas), Rosemary Joshua (Belinda).
Harmonia Mundi HMC90 1683
Recommended recordings on DVD
Hogwood/Connolly/Meachem (Opus Arte OA 1018D)
Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Royal Opera Extra Chorus, conducted by Christopher Hogwood.
Cast: Sarah Connolly (Dido), Lucas Meachem (Aeneas), Lucy Crowe (Belinda).
Opus Arte OA 1018D