Henry Purcell (1659 - 1695)

Henry Purcell was born in 1659 in England and sung as a young boy in the Chapel Royal until his voice broke in 1673 when he was fourteen years old. At that time, he became the assistant to John Hingeston, organ maker and keeper of the king’s instruments. Ten years later in 1683, Purcell took Hingeston’s place as organ maker and keeper of the king’s instruments. In 1679, he became the composer in ordinary for the king’s violins, and in 1682 he became organist to Chapel Royal. He also received court appointments under James II in 1685 and William III in 1689. His last music that he did for the royal family was the music for Queen Mary’s funeral in 1689. That same year, Purcell died at 36 years of age and was buried at Westminster Abbey.

Henry Purcell is known as one of the great English composers through time. His experience was varied as he composed for the church, the court, and the theatre. He wrote numerous sacred pieces and more than fifty anthems for court. However, Purcell obviously felt an affinity towards dramatic works. He wrote music for more than 40 plays, and he did compose one opera, Dido and Aeneas.