Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1690

Average_duration

:

14:22

Movement_count

:

16

Movement ....

'Circe, Z. 575' is a semi-opera composed by Henry Purcell in 1695. It premiered at the Queen's Theatre in London on June 29, 1695. The work is based on the story of Circe from Homer's Odyssey. The semi-opera is divided into three acts and includes a prologue and epilogue. The prologue features the goddesses Venus, Juno, and Pallas Athena, who argue over who is the most beautiful. The story of Circe begins in Act I, where the sorceress Circe is introduced. She has the power to turn men into animals and has already transformed several of Odysseus' men. Odysseus and his remaining men arrive on the island and are greeted by Circe's nymphs. Circe invites them to a feast, where she turns them into pigs. However, Odysseus is protected by the god Hermes, who gives him a herb to protect him from Circe's magic. Act II sees Odysseus confront Circe and demand that she turn his men back into humans. Circe agrees, and Odysseus and his men are restored. Circe then falls in love with Odysseus and offers to make him immortal if he stays with her. However, Odysseus refuses and sets sail for home. The final act sees Odysseus and his men encounter the Sirens, who try to lure them to their deaths. However, Odysseus is able to resist their song and continue on his journey. The epilogue features the three goddesses from the prologue, who reconcile and agree that they are all equally beautiful. The music of 'Circe, Z. 575' is typical of Purcell's style, with a mix of recitative and aria. The work also includes instrumental music, including a chaconne and a hornpipe. The vocal writing is expressive and dramatic, particularly in the scenes between Circe and Odysseus. The work also features Purcell's use of ground bass, where a repeating bass line is used as the foundation for the music. Overall, 'Circe, Z. 575' is a compelling semi-opera that showcases Purcell's skill as a composer. The story of Circe is brought to life through Purcell's music, with memorable arias and dramatic scenes that capture the essence of the story.

More....