Immerse yourself in the profound and heart-wrenching beauty of Henry Purcell's iconic "Dido's Lament" (When I am laid in earth), now exquisitely arranged for solo cello and string orchestra. This deeply moving and universally cherished aria from the opera Dido and Aeneas, finds an even richer expressive voice in the cello's profound sonorities, beautifully supported by the lush harmonies of a string ensemble.
Henry Purcell (c.1659–1695), one of Britain's most celebrated Baroque composers, poured immense pathos and dramatic intensity into "Dido's Lament," originally conceived for soprano voice with continuo and strings. Its haunting melody and ground bass figure have made it one of the most enduring and poignant expressions of sorrow in all of music. This arrangement by Paul Wood meticulously adapts the original vocal lines and accompaniment for a dedicated cello soloist and string orchestra, enriching the harmonic textures and providing a warm, sympathetic backdrop that enhances the solo cello's commanding presence. The result is a truly compelling concert piece, ideal for thoughtful performances and a wonderful addition to any orchestra's repertoire.
Key Features:
- Instrumentation: Cello Solo & String Orchestra (Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Contrabass)
- Original Instrumentation: Soprano Voice & Basso Continuo/Strings (from the opera Dido and Aeneas)
- Difficulty: Intermediate-Advanced Cello Solo, Intermediate-Advanced String Orchestra
- Arranger: Paul Wood
- Fidelity: This arrangement remains true to Purcell's original melodic and harmonic intent, carefully adapted to showcase the cello as the primary melodic voice with a sympathetic string orchestra accompaniment.
- Contents: PDF File of full Score and all individual instrumental parts provided.
Purcell's Dido's Lament is renowned for its sweeping lyrical lines, its poignant harmonies, and its profound emotional depth. This arrangement brings those qualities to the forefront, offering a truly rewarding experience for the intermediate-advanced cello soloist and providing a substantial, expressive piece for intermediate-advanced string orchestras.
Elevate your repertoire with this exciting and beautifully orchestrated version of an English Baroque masterpiece.
Perfect for: Concert programmes, advanced student recitals, memorial services, and orchestras seeking an engaging, deeply expressive, and historically significant work for cello.
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