Composer

:

Christoph Graupner

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1707

"Dido, Königin von Carthago" is an opera composed by Christoph Graupner in 1707. The plot is based on the story of Dido, the Queen of Carthage, as told in Virgil's epic poem, "The Aeneid." The opera is divided into three acts and features a libretto by Johann Philipp Praetorius. The opera premiered on November 1, 1707, at the Darmstadt Court Theatre in Germany. It was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and helped establish Graupner as a prominent composer of his time. The first act of the opera introduces the character of Dido, who is mourning the loss of her husband and ruling over Carthage. She is visited by the Trojan prince Aeneas, who has been shipwrecked on the shores of Carthage. Dido and Aeneas fall in love, but their happiness is short-lived as Aeneas is called back to his duties as a Trojan prince. In the second act, Aeneas leaves Carthage, causing Dido to fall into a deep depression. She is visited by the sorceress Anna, who convinces her to marry the African king Iarbas in order to secure Carthage's safety. However, Dido is unable to forget Aeneas and ultimately decides to take her own life. The final act of the opera features Dido's funeral, as well as the arrival of Aeneas and his troops. Aeneas is overcome with grief upon learning of Dido's death and curses the gods for their cruelty. "Dido, Königin von Carthago" is notable for its use of French-style overtures and arias, as well as its incorporation of dance music. The opera also features a number of memorable arias, including Dido's lament "Mein Herz, das sich zuvor" and Aeneas' aria "O süßer Schlaf." Overall, "Dido, Königin von Carthago" is a powerful and emotional opera that explores themes of love, loss, and betrayal. Its enduring popularity has cemented Graupner's place in the canon of Baroque composers.

More....