Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Opera: Semi-Opera

Compose Date

:

1693

"Rule a Wife and Have a Wife" is a semi-opera composed by Henry Purcell in 1691. The premiere of the work took place at the Dorset Garden Theatre in London on 17 January 1693. The libretto was written by Thomas d'Urfey, based on a play by John Fletcher. The work consists of five acts and includes spoken dialogue, songs, and instrumental music. The first act opens with a prologue, followed by a scene in which the character of Leon, a wealthy merchant, is introduced. Leon is unhappy with his wife, Margarita, and seeks advice from his friend, Don Rodrigo. Don Rodrigo suggests that Leon should "rule a wife and have a wife," meaning that he should assert his dominance over Margarita and take a mistress. Leon takes this advice and begins to court a young woman named Estifania. The second act introduces the character of Altea, a young woman who is in love with Leon's servant, Sancho. Altea's father, Don Julio, disapproves of the match and forbids her from seeing Sancho. Meanwhile, Leon continues to pursue Estifania, but she is not interested in him and instead falls in love with Don Rodrigo. In the third act, Leon's plan to take a mistress is discovered by Margarita, who is outraged. She seeks revenge by pretending to be in love with Don Rodrigo and convincing him to help her get revenge on Leon. Meanwhile, Altea and Sancho continue to pursue their love despite Don Julio's objections. The fourth act sees the characters plotting and scheming against each other, with Margarita and Don Rodrigo attempting to humiliate Leon. However, their plan backfires when Leon discovers their scheme and turns the tables on them. Altea and Sancho also manage to overcome Don Julio's objections and are allowed to marry. The final act sees the characters reconciling and forgiving each other. Leon realizes the error of his ways and is reunited with Margarita, while Estifania and Don Rodrigo also reconcile. The work ends with a celebratory dance. "Rule a Wife and Have a Wife" is characterized by Purcell's use of a variety of musical styles, including Italianate arias, English ballads, and instrumental dances. The work also features a number of memorable songs, including "If Love's a Sweet Passion" and "Let the Dreadful Engines of Eternal Will." The use of spoken dialogue and the inclusion of dance music are typical of the semi-opera genre, which was popular in England during the late 17th century. Overall, "Rule a Wife and Have a Wife" is a lively and entertaining work that showcases Purcell's skill as a composer of both vocal and instrumental music.

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