We the spirits of the air, Z 630/17b (Henry Purcell)

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• (Posted 2025-11-18)  CPDL #87472:         

Editor: Wim Looyestijn (submitted 2025-11-18).   Score information: A4, 4 pages, 42 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Original version for two voices in a-minor with realised continuo.

• (Posted 2025-11-18)  CPDL #87473:   

Editor: Wim Looyestijn (submitted 2025-11-18).   Score information: A4, 4 pages, 44 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes: Same as #87472 transposed third down to f-minor.

• (Posted 2009-07-18)  CPDL #19793: 

Editor: William Long (submitted 2009-07-18).   Score information: Letter, 2 pages, 76 kB   Copyright: CPDL

Edition notes:

General Information

Title: We the spirits of the air
Composer: Henry Purcell

Number of voices: 2vv   Voicing: SS
Genre: Secular, Aria

Language: English
Instruments: Basso continuo

First published: 1695
Description: from The Indian Queen, Act III.

Original text and translations

English text

We the Spirits of the air
that of humane things take care;
Out of pity now descend,
To forewarn what woes attend.
Greatness clog'd with scorn decays,
with the slave no Empire stays.
Cease to languish then in vain,
since never to be lov'd again.