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Organization

Singer

Soprano

Carolyn Sampson

Rebecca Outram

Julie Cooper

Daniel Auchincloss

Ténor

James Oxley

Matthew Brook

Basse

Conductor

Robert King

Libretto

John Dryden

MusikTheater an der Wien

Orchestra

The King's Consort

English

King Arthur

Vienna

Austria

Theater an der Wien

Approved

The semi-opera King Arthur, or The British Worthy, premiered in 1691, is based on a libretto written in 1684 by John Dryden (1631-1700). This poet and playwright, celebrated during his lifetime, was so impressed in 1690 by the music of the equally famous composer Henry Purcell (1659? -1695) that he offered his revised King Arthur Purcell for setting. The result was the
first semi-opera that did not build on an existing drama and still combined spoken drama with musical scenes. King Arthur stayed in the repertoire well into the 18th century, with
the popularity of the intimate and innovatively designed music by Purcell was attributable in particular.
In terms of content, Dryden moved away from the King Arthur legend, which has been continuously decorated since the Middle Ages, with the knights of the round table and the Holy Grail, rather a story about love and war develops. The blind Emmeline is the daughter of Duke Conon of Cornwall and is just as coveted by King Arthur as by the Saxon King Oswald. Territorial reasons lead to the first military conflict between the two - Oswald is defeated, but can kidnap Emmeline. Now it becomes a reason for war: In the fight the opponents are supported by magicians and spirits, above all Merlin on Arthur's side, who is the only remnant of the famous Arthurian legend. Oswald is defeated again and Artus can win Emmeline for himself. Arthur shows kindness and pardons Oswald,

King Arthur by Purcell, From (2014/2014), Conductor Robert King, Theater an der Wien, Vienna, Austria

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