Customer Reviews

Dido and Aeneas in Full Score (Dover Vocal Scores)

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This appears to be a reprint of the 1915 Purcell Society edition, based on late and unreliable manuscript copies, which were all that were known at the time that edition was prepared. It differs in many small (and a few not-so-small) details from the version commonly performed today. It is also heavily edited with performance indications such as dynamic markings that, while not unmusical, are of more use as a document of Edwardian musical taste than as a guide to Baroque performance practice.

Almost all readers would be better off with the Norton Critical Score edition by Curtis Price for a few dollars more. For preparing performances, the best choices would be the current Purcell Society edition (published by Novello) or the very reasonably priced edition from King's Music.

This very short Baroque opera composed by Purcell, is probably the best English baroque opera. I contains the most beautiful lament "When I am laid in the earth" is the most beautiful opera air. Also, the final chorus ending in Gm is very beautiful. The score contains the instrumentation, the table of contents, and critical notes on the piece. The editor actually put in the Harpsichord part instead of having the Basso line with Figured Bass so that is an advantage. The Opera takes little over an hour, and the score is full of Basso Continuo arias. buy this score if you are a baroque lover!