The essay topic is Henry Purcell’s opera seria Dido and Aeneas (1689), most especially the final section, “Dido’s Lament” (recitative+aria+chorus).
use only the link provided: https://youtu.be/DL3gAiLdRko?si=Le7pzrRUKEPwUD6Y
How is the Baroque aesthetic of the “doctrine of affections”
reflected in this musical selection and the genre of opera seria
in general? In other words, what makes the final scene of
Purcell’s opera “Baroque?” Your answer should include the
following: 1) definition of the term “baroque” and a definition
of “the doctrine of affections”; 2) the socio-political
environment of the Baroque period (i.e., the political definition
of the age and how opera relates to that definition); 3) the role
of the Baroque composer in displaying the all-mighty power of
the court as defined here by Purcell; and 4) the many musical
elements found in the work (e.g., orchestral accompaniment,
vocal timbre, harmony, etc.) that support your conclusion.
Please write clearly!