Description
Instrumental arrangement of the famous Lament from Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas.
The recitativo at the beginning is included for the sake of completeness, for a concert,
but it can be omitted if the circumstances require it – eg if the music is to be performed at a funeral.
The words in the original are:
(recitativo)
Thy hand, Belinda, darkness shades me,
On thy bosom let me rest,
More I would, but Death invades me;
Death is now a welcome guest.
(lament)
When I am laid, am laid in earth,
May my wrongs create no trouble,
No trouble in thy breast;
When I am laid, am laid in earth,
May my wrongs create no trouble,
No trouble in thy breast;
Remember me, but ah! forget my fate,
Remember me, remember me, but ah! forget my fate.
Remember me, but ah! forget my fate,
Remember me, remember me, but ah! forget my fate.