One of a collection of vulgar but witty rounds written by the composer of the sublime
Dido and Aeneas. A ‘fop’ in Purcell’s day was simply a rakehell who made a point of indulging himself to excess in the delights of the flesh. This graphic description of the effects of overeating provides an interesting comment on the seamier side of Purcell’s private life. Not for the squeamish!
from notes by Douglas Wootton © 1981
