Dido and Aeneas
"Dido and Aeneas" is an opera composed by Henry Purcell in the late 17th century. It is based on the story from Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid, which tells the tale of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, and Dido, the queen of Carthage. The opera explores themes of love, betrayal, and fate as Aeneas is destined to leave Dido to fulfill his mission.
The opera is structured in three acts and features a blend of spoken dialogue and musical numbers. It is notable for its rich emotional depth and the use of baroque musical elements. "Dido and Aeneas" remains a significant work in the operatic repertoire, celebrated for its poignant storytelling and beautiful arias.