Composer

:

Henry Purcell

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Song: Art Song

Compose Date

:

1691

Average_duration

:

3:56

"What power art thou, Z. 628/20" is a vocal piece composed by Henry Purcell, one of the most prominent English composers of the Baroque era. The piece was composed in the late 17th century and was first performed in 1692. It is part of a larger work called "The Fairy Queen," which is a semi-opera based on William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The piece is a solo aria for soprano and is characterized by its virtuosic vocal lines and intricate ornamentation. It is set in a minor key, which gives it a melancholic and introspective quality. The text of the aria is taken from Act III, Scene 1 of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and is sung by the character Titania, the Queen of the Fairies. The aria is divided into three distinct sections or movements. The first section begins with a slow and mournful introduction, which sets the mood for the piece. The soprano then enters with a long and elaborate vocal line, which showcases the singer's technical skill and range. The second section is more lively and features a faster tempo and more rhythmic vocal lines. The final section returns to the slower tempo of the opening and features a more subdued vocal line, which gradually fades away. Overall, "What power art thou, Z. 628/20" is a beautiful and haunting piece of music that showcases Purcell's mastery of the Baroque style. Its intricate vocal lines and melancholic mood make it a favorite among singers and audiences alike.

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