Henry Purcell

From 1690, Henry Purcell became the most popular British composer of music for the theater, which became the most important aspect of his career for the rest of his life (1659 - 1695). Even in the Birthday Odes that he wrote for members of the Royal Family during these years he sometimes recycled songs already popular from the stage.

Each year he wrote a new semi-opera (a serious play with a considerable amount of music): Dioclesian, King Arthur, and The Fairy Queen, which was revived for the 1693 season. But Christopher Rich, the notoriously stingy director of the Theatre Royal, did not order a new semi-opera for 1694 and, in fact, at the end of the year, his miserliness led one of his top actors, Thomas Betterton, to take most of the experienced actors with him and set up a rival company in Lincoln's Inn Fields.

Rich concluded that what he needed to continue bringing in customers was more music in his productions, especially music by Purcell. He planned two new semi-operas, The Indian Queen and The Tempest, and increased the amount of incidental music in straight plays. (Purcell did not, however, compose the music to The Tempest, even though this music was published as one of his "complete works.")

Quite often Purcell wrote only one or two songs for a particular production, with other composers contributing their own numbers. This is the case of Pausanius, Betrayer of His Country.

In such cases, Purcell invariably specialized in love songs. He wrote just two numbers for Pausanius, "Sweeter than Roses" and "My Dearest, My Fairest."

As the full title of Pausanius suggests, Richard Norton's play is a tragedy. "Sweeter than Roses" has become a staple in the recital repertory, particularly in the type of recital where a newer singer is showing her ability in various eras of music. Such singers are well-advised to be sure they have studied the play and are aware of the context of this song. When, as is frequently the case, they are not, they tend to sing the song sweetly, as a pleasant song about love's pleasures.

In fact, it was intended as a steamy seduction song, voiced by the courtesan Pandora at an assignation in her house. The languorous opening mood of the song should turn hot by the time the song is over.