Ep. 134 King Arthur by Henry Purcell

Ep. 134 King Arthur by Henry Purcell

From Opera For Everyone by Opera for Everyone

September 8, 2025 · 1h 58m

About this episode

This episode explores the opera 'King Arthur' by Henry Purcell and John Dryden, examining its historical and cultural significance.

King Arthur stands astride the intersection of history, myth, legend, and politics. In every age of the history of Britain, he is reinterpreted for new audiences and new purposes. When composer Henry Purcell and poet-librettist John Dryden set out to write their opera about Arthur, they did so following a century in which England had seen monarchs rise, fall, be beheaded, exiled, returned in triumph, and driven out in disgrace. King Arthur takes place not in Camelot, but in a world of clashing cultures and ideals. Arthur finds his Britons beset by Saxon invaders, but after his victory, he is able to lead as both peoples transition from fighting one another, to become a stronger people together. Join us for a close look at this fascinating work or art, and enjoy (in English, of course!) Dryden’s poetry and Purcell’s rich and tuneful music. Hosted by Pat with guest co-host Gerald Malone. Gerald Malone’s website, TheRestIsOpera.com is brimming with commentary on opera productions that he has seen around the world, and “scuttlebutt” about opera from a suspiciously well-informed little dog. Gerald Malone is also the Opera Critic of ReactionLife, a UK-based online current affairs and…

People in this episode

Host: Pat

Guest: Gerald Malone

Topics covered

  • opera
  • history
  • myth
  • music
  • politics
  • cultural commentary

Keywords

  • King Arthur
  • Henry Purcell
  • John Dryden
  • opera
  • British history
  • cultural commentary
  • mythology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: TheRestIsOpera.com, ReactionLife

Books & works: King Arthur

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