Richard Hickox, Collegium Musicum 90 - Henry Purcell: Dioclesian; Masque from Timon of Athens (1995)
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 494 Mb | Total time: 46:27+65:49 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Chandos | # CHAN 0569/70 | Recorded: 1993, 1994
EAC | FLAC | Image (Cue & Log) ~ 494 Mb | Total time: 46:27+65:49 | Scans included
Classical | Label: Chandos | # CHAN 0569/70 | Recorded: 1993, 1994
Dioclesian is the tale of a simple Roman private, Diocles, who fulfils the prophecy of Delphia (a prophetess, and hence Dioclesian's alternative title) that one day he will become emperor. In the meantime, Diocles avenges the slaying of the previous emperor and becomes a hero. With ambitions realized he discovers the he has over-played his hand by responding to Princess Aurelia's advances in the place of a nice homely girl called Drusilla, whom he had agreed to marry. The prophetess, who happens to be Drusilla's aunt, plans his come-uppance before he realizes the emptiness of his aspirations, abdicates and returns to nature and Drusilla.