Dioclesian: Overture, Z. 627 – Henry Purcell

Dioclesian: Overture, Z. 627 by Henry Purcell

English composer Henry Purcell composed his opera Dioclesian in 1690, with the premiere of the work being given in May the same year at the Queen’s Theatre in Dorset Garden. The work is based on an earlier play titled “The Prophetess’ (1622) co-written by the playwrights John Fletcher (the man who would replace William Shakespeare as playwright for King’s Men acting company) and Philip Massinger.

The play is based on a fictionalised version of the real historical figure of the Roman Emperor Diocletian (284 to 305 AD). The play presents an interpretation of his rise to power, with supernatural elements and an ominous prophecy given to the audience at the beginning of the play from the prophetess Delphia (similar to the Witches prophecy of Macbeth). The opera would be well received, with some sections still being performed in the 1700’s.

This work is the overture to the opera.