Henry Purcell (b. 1659, London; d. 1695, London)

Many experts believe Henry Purcell was the finest and most original composer of his day. He was the son of a Court musician. At age ten he became a chorister at the Chapel Royal. Four years later Purcell became keeper of the King’s instruments.

When Purcell was young he studied with Dr. John Blow. As legend has it, in 1679 Blow stepped down from his position as organist at Westminster Abbey in recognition of Purcell’s greater genius. During Purcell’s tenure as organist at the Abbey, he served three different kings.

Purcell devoted much of his talent to writing operas. The most famous of these is Dido and Aeneas, the first important opera by an English composer. He also composed incidental theatre music. Purcell’s church anthems reflect the heritage of Protestant anthem literature that can be traced back to the Renaissance motet. He also wrote harpsichord suites, organ music, and other keyboard works. His well-known “Trumpet Voluntary,” originally written for organ featuring the trumpet stop but often played today on organ and trumpet, is popular at weddings.