Reflection on the Aria "When I am laid in earth"

What is the aria "When I am laid in earth" unified by?

A) True B) False

Answer:

The aria "When I am laid in earth" is truthfully unified by a ground bass with a descending chromatic scale.

The aria "When I am laid in earth" from Henry Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas is a haunting and emotional piece that is unified by a distinctive musical element - a ground bass with a descending chromatic scale.

This unchanging bass line, repeating throughout the aria, serves as a solid foundation over which the melody unfolds. The descending chromatic scale creates a sense of sorrow and lament, perfectly capturing the mood of the piece as Dido contemplates her impending death.

Therefore, the aria "When I am laid in earth" is indeed unified by a ground bass with a descending chromatic scale, emphasizing its emotional depth and contributing to its enduring impact on listeners.