Dido and Aeneas

As Rebecca Herissone's essay in the booklet accompanying this mounting of Henry Purcell's 17th-century opera points out, the scholarly consensus is that his work about the doomed romance between the Trojan refugee destined to found Rome and the queen of Rome's Mediterranean rival Carthage was probably longer in its original form; but it's known only in the shortened version in which it's performed in this 2009 Royal Ballet and Royal Opera staging from London's Covent Garden, with the three acts taking up less than an hour. While we can only imagine what glories we're missing, the abbreviated Dido and Aeneas that's come down over the centuries seems quite perfect as is, and while this particular performance isn't flawless, it's extremely fine. Under the direction of baroque specialist Christopher Hogwood, the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment—an original-instrument group—is both energetic and refined, and the vocalism and acting of the three leads are superb, with Sarah Connolly a poignant Dido, Lucas Meacham a stalwart Aeneas, and Lucy Crowe a beguiling Belinda. Some may quibble about Sara Fulgoni's Sorceress (a role that's often sung in an exaggerated way), or the spare sets, singers' nondescript robe-like costumes, and strictly utilitarian outfits of the ballet corps members who dance to the orchestral interludes (although Wayne McGregor's choreography is well conceived). In all, however, this is a vivid and moving rendition of a beautiful little work. Presented in DTS 5.1 and LPCM stereo, DVD extras include an illustrated synopsis, cast gallery, and interview with McGregor. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)