Henry Purcell was one of the most important English composers. Although he died very young (at 36), he wrote some timeless works including many pieces for choirs or instruments and operas like “King Arthur” and “Dido and Aeneas” (1689). This is the last chorus of this opera. “With Drooping Wings” is placed after the most famous aria of this opera: Dido’s Lament. The first part is written in imitation of descending lines which represent each rose petal Cupids slowly left on Dido’s grave. The text of the second part “Keep here, never part” is rather homophonic. The two themes constitute the great instrumental final part.
