Henry Purcell

Henry Purcell (1659–1695) was probably born at Westminster, into a family of active musicians. He showed musical gifts very early. As a boy he served as a chorister in the Royal Chapel where his father and his uncle sang. He studied under John Blow, who in 1669 had become the organist of Westminster Abbey. In 1679–80 Blow gave up his position in favor of his gifted pupil. Purcell retained the post until his death.

In 1682 Purcell became an organist of the Chapel Royal. When Charles II died in 1685, (1685) his successor James II reorganized the court musical establishment and Purcell’s title changed from composer to “harpsicall.” The Chapel Royal, which was Anglican, became less important under this Catholic king, though Purcell retained his post. When James II fled the realm in late 1688, Purcell stopped composing for the court, though under William and Mary he remained on the payroll. In particular he composed a famous ode for each of the queen’s birthdays, and music for her funeral in 1695. Purcell probably died of a precipitous worsening of a minor infection. His funeral took place in Westminster Abbey, where he was interred next to the organ.

Purcell’s output includes all the main genres of secular music of his time, especially songs but also consort music, and the main genres of sacred music.

Vocal Works Performed by the San Francisco Bach Choir

Hear My Prayer, O Lord
Man That is Born of a Woman
O Give Thanks
Remember Not, Lord, Our Offences