When I am Laid In Earth

Album: Dido and Aeneas (1689)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This aria, which is also known by its popular name, "Dido's Lament," is from the opera Dido and Aeneas by English Baroque composer Henry Purcell, with the libretto by Nahum Tate.
  • The opera is based on the mythological story of Dido, Queen of Carthage and the Trojan prince Aeneas, and her despair at his abandonment. It is based on Book IV of Virgil's Aeneid but unlike the original story, Purcell throws a couple of witches into the musical pot, who trick the prince into leaving his love. The aria comes at the end of the opera as Dido having been abandoned by Aeneas, flings herself on a funeral pyre.
  • The first known performance of Dido and Aeneas was at Josias Priest's girls' school in London in the spring of 1689. It was premiered in co-operation with Josias Priest, a dancing master and the choreographer for the Dorset Garden Theatre. Priest's wife kept a boarding school for young gentlewomen, where the opera was debuted.
  • Henry Purcell (1659-1695) was born in Westminster (now part of London), England. As far as is known he spent his entire life in Westminster. Purcell composed for the church, stage, court, and for private entertainment. Dido and Aeneas was his only true opera. The most original English composer of his time, he merged the Italian and French styles with the English madrigal tradition to create a uniquely English form of Baroque music. Many music scholars believe Purcell was England's greatest composer until Edward Elgar emerged 200 years later.
  • In 2010 "When I am laid in earth" was named the United Kingdom's favorite aria by listeners to Rob Cowan's breakfast show on BBC Radio 3.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Andy McClusky of OMD

Andy McClusky of OMDSongwriter Interviews

Known in America for the hit "If You Leave," OMD is a huge influence on modern electronic music.

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"

Narada Michael Walden - "Freeway of Love"They're Playing My Song

As a songwriter and producer, Narada had hits with Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Starship. But what song does he feel had the greatest impact on his career?

Gary Brooker of Procol Harum

Gary Brooker of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer and pianist for Procol Harum, Gary talks about finding the musical ideas to match the words.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.