Tune of the Day: I Attempt from Love's Sickness
“I attempt from Love's sickness to fly in vain” is a lively song from The Indian Queen, Henry Purcell's last semi-opera and his largest stage project in 1695. “Semi-operas”, also known as “English operas”, combined spoken plays with masque-like episodes employing singing and dancing characters.
The plot of The Indian Queen revolves around a war between Peru and Mexico. In the third act, the Spirits of the Air encourage Zempoalla, queen of the Mexicans, to forget her love for the Peruvian General Montezuma. Zempoalla acknowledges her incapacity to escape with the singing of “I Attempt from Love's Sickness”.
Thanks to Joe for suggesting this piece!