On Saturday 20 May, them 22 hours and in the incomparable frame of the University Paranimf, the Cervera Conservatory will stage the opera “Dido & Aeneas”, de Henry Purcell.
It is an opera that the students of the center have worked on throughout the year and which will have the singing students as protagonists, others who wanted to join as part of the choir and others who, next to the teachers, they will act as an orchestra.
Henry Purcell (London, 1659-1695) is the most important English composer of the 17th century. His work was closely linked to the royal family during the reigns of Charles II, James II, William III and Queen Mary. Although he only lived 37 years, has left a very wide catalog of works with a particular style that includes elements of French and Italian music (vocal writing), but it is worth saying that he always maintained a very genuine style.
Like most composers of his time, he learned composition by taking note of the works of the great masters of the past, com Locke, Humfrey i Blow.
In England, opera was not accepted in the same way as on the continent, in Purcell's time. From the 1660 there were several attempts to introduce Italian opera in London but they did not succeed. It is for this reason that his dramatic production was limited to openings, dances, songs and intermissions. We must consider Purcell as the first English opera author, with the composition of the first opera in the strict sense: Dido and Aeneas, Z. 626, which is quite a milestone in British musical history. It was a commission from dance master Josias Priest - who sang the male roles on the day of the premiere -.
It is a very interesting opera both vocally and historically, produced by the Conservatory, in col·collaboration of the Cervera Museum, and which will be used to celebrate the Night of the Museums. The stage direction will be in charge of Arnau Vinós; the musical direction, by Núria Mas; and the orchestra direction, by Carles Gumí.
Early entry costs 10 euros and the general, 12 euros. They can be purchased at the Museum and Conservatory of Cervera.
Information and poster provided by the Cervera Conservatory.