Henry Purcell

Henry Purcell Closterman

Purcell portrait

Henry Purcell - When on my sick bed I languish. (BL Add MS 30930 f. 6v)

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Henry Purcell 001

The Flowering of the English Baroque, Henry Purcell, London

Henry Purcell (10 September 1659 – 21 November 1695) was an English composer of the Baroque period. He is generally considered to be one of the greatest English composers; no later native-born English composer approached his fame until Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Benjamin Britten in the 20th century. Purcell incorporated Italian and French stylistic elements into his compositions but developed a distinctly English style of Baroque music.

Life

Henry Purcell was born in Westminster, London, in 1659. His father, Henry Purcell Sr., was a gentleman of the Chapel Royal, and his uncle, Thomas Purcell, was also a musician. After his father's death in 1664, Purcell was placed under the guardianship of his uncle, who showed him great affection and made sure he received a comprehensive musical education.

Purcell attended the Westminster School and was appointed as a chorister in the Chapel Royal, learning under the tutelage of Henry Cooke. After his voice broke in 1673, Purcell was appointed as an assistant to John Hingeston, the royal instrument keeper.

Career

Purcell's early career was marked by his appointment as organist of Westminster Abbey in 1679, a position he held until his death. He succeeded John Blow, who resigned in his favor. This appointment was a significant milestone, allowing Purcell to compose music for the English court, including odes, anthems, and music for royal occasions.

Purcell's compositions cover a wide range, including sacred music, secular choral music, instrumental music, and music for the stage. Among his most famous works are the opera Dido and Aeneas, which is considered a masterpiece of Baroque opera, and his Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary.

Musical Style and Legacy

Purcell's music is characterized by its expressive melodies, harmonic inventiveness, and the integration of English traditional music with French and Italian styles. His ability to set the English language to music was unparalleled, and his songs and operas continue to be performed regularly today.

Purcell died in 1695 at the age of 36 and was buried adjacent to the organ in Westminster Abbey. His early death was a significant loss to English music, but his influence persisted. Purcell's work laid the foundation for later English composers and he is remembered as a pivotal figure in the development of Baroque music in England.

Selected Works

• Dido and Aeneas (opera)
• Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary
• Come, Ye Sons of Art (ode for Queen Mary's birthday, 1694)
• The Fairy Queen (semi-opera)
• King Arthur (semi-opera)

See Also

• Baroque music
• Music of the United Kingdom
• List of Baroque composers