MovieChat Forums > Mr. Turner (2014) Discussion > Name of Henry Purcell track?

Name of Henry Purcell track?

posted 9 years ago by rosenburger
4 replies | jump to latest

does anyone know the name of the Henry Purcell song that's performed during the film?

Thanks

I'm fairly sure you are referring to "When I am laid in Earth" commonly known as Dido's Lament from Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas. In case I've misunderstood you or somehow managed to misidentify the music, here are three youtube clips. Perhaps you could post back to confirm whether this is what you were looking for. The actual portion of the aria that is sung (? grunted? ) by Turner and played on the piano by the lady comes somewhat over a minute after the "Thy Hand Belinda" prelude to the actual aria.

By the great Jessye Norman:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R7BYSgz8xY

Sarah Connolly at the proms:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACY03VwWmnA

My favourite, if only because I am entranced by her voice, Danielle de Niese:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1szWOzGR4DQ

If I have identified the portion of the film you are referring to, I have a question in return because, although the actress seemed familiar, I have been unable to identify her, or the person she plays, the lady at the piano in the stately home. The poignancy of the way they talked to each other, enhanced no doubt by the poignancy of Purcell's music, seemed to suggest some history between them, which intrigued me. I am woefully ignorant of the facts of Turner's life. Do you know who the historical person was (and the actress) and what they might have been obliquely referring to?

[–] Ambrosia-I 9 years ago

Thanks for posting those. It's one of my favourite operas. I might be able to help somewhat regarding the actress. I think she's called Karina Fernandez (who's been in a couple of other Mike Leigh films). The character she plays is Miss Coggins. Unfortunately I don't know anything about Miss Coggins or her relationship with Turner. I loved the film and found that bit very touching.

[–] Ivor_Bucket 9 years ago

Thanks for that. Yes, the actress was indeed Karina Fernandez. I have been unable to find anything about Miss Coggins. There is no character page (yet) for Miss Coggins here, and googling variations on turner/coggins/egremont/petworth simply brings me back to imdb or to sites with no relevant information.

I remain intrigued by who this person was and whether she and Turner had any mutual past history.

[–] rosenburger 9 years ago

Yeah that's the track I meant, many thanks. Unfortunately I can't answer any of your questions in return.