Henry Purcell: Difference between revisions
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Henry Purcell, called the ''Orpheus Britannicus'' or the British Orpheus, and arguably the most influential English composer of the middle [[Baroque]] period, was born on September 10th, 1659 in London England. He came from a family of musicians and started his musical practices at a young age at Chapel Royal in London. During his time, the music world was mostly centered in Italy, Germany, and France. This would change once Purcell began his professional music career which put England on the musical map. | Henry Purcell, called the ''Orpheus Britannicus'' or the British Orpheus, and arguably the most influential English composer of the middle [[Baroque]] period, was born on September 10th, 1659 in London England. He came from a family of musicians and started his musical practices at a young age at Chapel Royal in London. During his time, the music world was mostly centered in Italy, Germany, and France. This would change once Purcell began his professional music career which put England on the musical map. | ||
Visibly influenced by music from other parts of Europe, his music style, however, is a unique form of English [[Baroque]]. In 1677 he became the composer for the ''King’s String Orchestra'', the organist of [[Westminster Abbey]] in 1679, the organist of the chapel in 1682 and also the organ maker and keeper of the King’s wind instruments in 1683. He composed many pieces that were used as welcome songs for the royals, birthday, wedding, and holiday songs; the most popular one being [[Hail Bright Cecilia]]. | Visibly influenced by music from other parts of Europe, his music style, however, is a unique form of English [[Baroque]]. In 1677 he became the composer for the ''King’s String Orchestra'', the organist of [[Westminster Abbey]] in 1679, the organist of the chapel in 1682 and also the organ maker and keeper of the King’s wind instruments in 1683. He composed many pieces that were used as welcome songs for the royals, birthday, wedding, and holiday songs; the most popular one being "[[Hail Bright Cecilia]]". | ||
In addition to court compositions, Purcell began to write music for stage productions including [[Opera]]s and [[Anthem]]s; the most famous one being the tragic [[Opera]] [[Dido and Aeneas]] in 1689. Despite the unrest at court during this time and the financial uncertainties of being a musician, Purcell remained a prolific composer throughout his career. He composed hundreds of songs, more than 50 pieces of instrumental and keyboard music, 24 [[ode]]s and welcome songs for ceremonial occasions at court and more than 100 [[anthems]] for the | In addition to court compositions, Purcell began to write music for stage productions including [[Opera]]s and [[Anthem]]s; the most famous one being the tragic [[Opera]] "[[Dido and Aeneas]]" in 1689. Despite the unrest at court during this time and the financial uncertainties of being a musician, Purcell remained a prolific composer throughout his career. He composed hundreds of songs, more than 50 pieces of instrumental and keyboard music, 24 [[ode]]s and welcome songs for ceremonial occasions at court and more than 100 [[anthems]] for the Chapel Royal and [[Westminster Abbey]]. In addition to "[[Dido and Aeneas]]" (1689), his most important pieces for the stage are his [[Semi-opera]]s "[[King Arthur]]" (1691), "[[The Fairy Queen]]" being his adaptation of [[William Shakespeare]]'s "[[A Midsummer Night's Dream]]" (1692), and "[[The Indian Queen]]" (1695). | ||
One of his last works was the funeral march for queen [[Mary II]] in 1695. He died shortly after Queen [[Mary II]], on November 21,1695 at the age of 36 and the piece was also played at his own funeral. | One of his last works was the funeral march for queen [[Mary II]] in 1695. He died shortly after Queen [[Mary II]], on November 21,1695 at the age of 36 and the piece was also played at his own funeral. | ||
Revision as of 00:02, 15 January 2023
Henry Purcell, called the Orpheus Britannicus or the British Orpheus, and arguably the most influential English composer of the middle Baroque period, was born on September 10th, 1659 in London England. He came from a family of musicians and started his musical practices at a young age at Chapel Royal in London. During his time, the music world was mostly centered in Italy, Germany, and France. This would change once Purcell began his professional music career which put England on the musical map.
Visibly influenced by music from other parts of Europe, his music style, however, is a unique form of English Baroque. In 1677 he became the composer for the King’s String Orchestra, the organist of Westminster Abbey in 1679, the organist of the chapel in 1682 and also the organ maker and keeper of the King’s wind instruments in 1683. He composed many pieces that were used as welcome songs for the royals, birthday, wedding, and holiday songs; the most popular one being "Hail Bright Cecilia". In addition to court compositions, Purcell began to write music for stage productions including Operas and Anthems; the most famous one being the tragic Opera "Dido and Aeneas" in 1689. Despite the unrest at court during this time and the financial uncertainties of being a musician, Purcell remained a prolific composer throughout his career. He composed hundreds of songs, more than 50 pieces of instrumental and keyboard music, 24 odes and welcome songs for ceremonial occasions at court and more than 100 anthems for the Chapel Royal and Westminster Abbey. In addition to "Dido and Aeneas" (1689), his most important pieces for the stage are his Semi-operas "King Arthur" (1691), "The Fairy Queen" being his adaptation of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1692), and "The Indian Queen" (1695). One of his last works was the funeral march for queen Mary II in 1695. He died shortly after Queen Mary II, on November 21,1695 at the age of 36 and the piece was also played at his own funeral.