Henry Purcell

On of the most recognised English composers of the baroque, Henry Purcell was born around 1659. He was the organist of the Chapel Royal as well as copyist at Westminster Abbey. In 1677 he took over as the royal composer for the violins after the death of Matthew Locke. In 1682 he was awarded the prestigious title of the gentleman of the Chapel Royal. Over the last five years of his life, he composed mainly for Londong theatres. He is considered the father of English national music. He is most valued as the composer of a substantial body of dramatic music. His most famous opera is Dido and Aeneas, still staged today despite the passage of time. Henry Purcell also composed music for royal occasions (odes, anthems), sacred music (services), songs and sonatas. He died in 1695.