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Dido's Lament is a popular name for a famous aria from the opera Dido and Aeneas by Henry Purcell, with the libretto written by Nahum Tate. It has also been referred to as When I am laid in earth.
The Trojan hero Aeneas leaves the city of Carthage despite the love shared between him and Dido, Queen of Carthage. Knowing that she cannot live without Aeneas, Dido decides to commit suicide and burn herself in a bonfire. Ironically, the path that Aenea's boat takes is illuminated by the rising fires. In what is arguably the most famous scene in the opera, she says her final words to her loyal handmaid Belinda before dying. The aria, formed on a lamento ground bass, is sung by a soprano. Apart from some slight instrumental accompaniment, the piece is meant to be a solo; this can heighten the emotional drama of the scene.
Recitative
- 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, am laid in earth, May my wrongs create
- No trouble, no trouble in thy breast;(x2)
- Remember me, but ah! forget my fate,(x2)
- Remember me, remember me, but ah! forget my fate.(x2)
External links
- www.cpdl.org Dido's Lament is mvmt. 37/38 in this edition of the score
