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Henry Purcell

The Prophetess, or The History of Dioclesian, Z. 627

Dioclesian (The Prophetess: or, The History of Dioclesian) is an English tragicomic semi-opera in five acts by Henry Purcell to a libretto by Thomas Betterton based on the play The Prophetess, by John Fletcher and Philip Massinger, which in turn was based very loosely on the life of the Emperor Diocletian. It was premiered in late May 1690 at the Queen's Theatre, Dorset Garden. The play was first produced in 1622. Choreography for the various dances was provided by Josias Priest, who worked with Purcell on several other semi-operas.

Betterton reworked the play extensively, making room for a great deal of Purcell's music, notably in the 'monster' scene at the end of Act II and the final Masque about the victory of Love, which remained popular until well into the eighteenth century.

The premier production had a Prologue written by John Dryden that was suppressed after only one performance; it was far too critical of King William's military campaign in Ireland.

From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Movements

  1. Dioclesian: Aire
  2. Dioclesian: Aire
  3. Dioclesian: Overture
  4. Dioclesian: Preludio
  5. First musick
  6. Second musick
  7. Ouverture

Act 1

  1. First Act Tune

Act 2

  1. Dioclesian, Z. 627: Act II. “Let all mankind the pleasure share” (chorus)
  2. Prelude, Aria and Chorus "Great Diocles the Boar has kill'd"
  3. Prelude and Aria "Charon the peaceful Shade invites"
  4. Symphony for Trumpets and Violins
  5. Duet and Chorus "Let all mankind the pleasures share"
  6. Prelude, Aria and Chorus "Let the soldier's rejoice"
  7. Ritornello
  8. Trio and Chorus "To Mars let 'em raise"
  9. Ritornello (2)
  10. Prelude – A Symphony of flutes in the air
  11. Aria and Chorus "Since the toils and hazards of war"
  12. Aria and Ritornello "With dances and songs"
  13. Quartet and Chorus "Let the priests with processions"
  14. Dance of the furies
  15. Second act tune

Act 3

  1. Two in one upon a Ground, Chaconne for flutes
  2. The Chair Dance
  3. Prelude for Hautboys – Aria "What shall I do?"
  4. Third act tune

Act 4

  1. Dance – Butterfly Dance
  2. Tune for Trumpets
  3. Aria "Sound, Fame, thy brazen trumpet sound"
  4. Chorus "Let all rehearse"
  5. Fourth act tune

Act 5

  1. Dioclesian, Z. 627: Act V. The Masque: “Let the Graces and Pleasures repair” (Cupid)
  2. Dioclesian, Z. 627: Act V. The Masque: “Let the Graces and Pleasures repair” (Cupid)
  3. Masque: Country Dance
  4. Masque: "Call the nymphs"
  5. Masque: Duet "Come, come away"
  6. Masque: Chorus "Behold, O mighty'st of Gods"
  7. Masque: Paspe. The first entry of heroes on the stage
  8. Masque: Duet "O the Sweet Delights of Love"
  9. Masque: Aria and Chorus "Let monarchs fight"
  10. Masque: (Prelude and) Duet "Make room for the great god of wine"
  11. Masque: Dance of Bacchanals
  12. Masque: Aria and Ritornello "Still I'm wishing"
  13. Masque: Canaries
  14. Masque: Duet "Tell me why my charming fair"
  15. Masque: Dance
  16. Masque: Aria and Chorus "All our days"
  17. Masque: Aria and Chorus "Let us dance"
  18. Masque: Dance (2)
  19. Masque: Trio and Chorus "Triumph, triumph, victorious Love"
  20. Song "Since from my dear Astrea's sight"
  21. "Still I'm wishing"
  1. Song "When First I Saw Aurelia's Eyes"

Elsewhere

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