Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

ca. 1692

Movement_count

:

8

Movement ....

Henry Purcell's "Oedipus, Z. 583" is a semi-opera composed in 1692. It premiered at the Dorset Garden Theatre in London on June 1, 1692. The work is based on the Greek tragedy "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles and features a libretto by Nathaniel Lee. The semi-opera is divided into five acts and features a prologue and epilogue. The music is a combination of vocal and instrumental pieces, including songs, choruses, and instrumental interludes. The work also includes spoken dialogue, which was typical of semi-operas of the time. The first act sets the scene and introduces the characters, including Oedipus, Jocasta, and Creon. The second act features a chorus lamenting the plague that has struck Thebes, and Oedipus' search for the cause of the plague. The third act features a confrontation between Oedipus and the blind prophet Tiresias, who reveals that Oedipus himself is the cause of the plague. The fourth act features the revelation of Oedipus' true identity as the murderer of his father and husband of his mother. The final act features the tragic conclusion of the story, with Jocasta's suicide and Oedipus' self-blinding. Purcell's music for "Oedipus" is characterized by its dramatic intensity and emotional depth. The vocal pieces are often highly expressive, with intricate melodic lines and rich harmonies. The instrumental interludes are also notable for their virtuosic writing and colorful orchestration. Overall, "Oedipus, Z. 583" is a powerful and moving work that showcases Purcell's skill as a composer of both vocal and instrumental music. Its combination of music, drama, and spoken dialogue was typical of the semi-operas of the time and helped to pave the way for the development of English opera in the 18th century.

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