This track contains mezzo-soprano Dame Janet Baker’s performance of the aria “When I Am Laid In My Grave” (also known as Dido’s lament) from Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas.
It was on side 2 of a precious LP that I purchased in a Manhattan record store in the 1970s: of a groundbreaking performance conducted by Anthony Lewis (made in the 1950s) of Purcell’s opera.
I don’t think I have ever heard a more beautiful aria. Purcell’s death, at the age 36, was a tragic loss — speaking in general terms, to music.
— Roger W. Smith
December 2020
Thanks to Roger for sharing his rare recording of Dame Janet Baker’s performance of an aria from a Purcell opera–and his musical knowledge. Listening to Janet Baker has made my day.