Arnold Bosman - Piccinini: Didon (2000)

Didon - a tragédie lyrique with accompanied recitatives, ariosi, arias, choruses and ballets - was first staged in Fontainebleau on 16th October 1783 and met with such success that it was performed again in December at the Académie Royale de Musique in Paris. All of its parts interlock perfectly and scenes are well soldered together. Marmontel’s text sketches each character in a very clear way and provides introspection to the emotions that animate them and guide their actions. A further element used to enhance entire scenes or single actions is the orchestral one. With great dexterity the orchestra takes on a primary role in the topical, crucial moments of the story, both by adding new timbres to its ranks and by using them in an original way.