The Plaint

Henry Purcell’s “The Plaint” from the opera “The Fairy Queen” (1692) is one of his most moving and melancholic arias. The music exudes melancholy and longing, heightened by Purcell’s melancholic harmonies and the interplay of call and response between voice and violin, which works its way directly to the soul.

What also makes this piece special is the way Purcell brings the text to life. He uses word painting—a technique in which the music reflects the meaning of the words. Long, drawn-out notes emphasize the sorrow, while unexpected harmonies make the pain palpable. The melody is simple yet meaningful; the characteristic baroque sound of the basso continuo (through cello, harpsichord, and theorbo) forms a subtle yet rich foundation that enhances the melancholy of the song. It’s difficult to remain unmoved by this timeless work.