Pills to Purge Melancholy: Music by Henry Purcell

A collection of songs and arias by Henry Purcell and others, titled *Pills to Purge Melancholy* (“Pills Against Melancholy”), was published in London in the early 18th century.

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Soprano Dorothee Mields and recorder player Stefan Temmingh believe that the English composer’s music is indeed well-suited as a remedy for melancholy—for it presents complex emotions to our eyes and ears with disarming honesty. Together with the Capricornus Consort Basel, the two artists will perform excerpts from Purcell’s most famous stage works in the Pierre Boulez Saal.