What is Henry Purcell best known for?

What is Henry Purcell best known for?

Henry Purcell, (born c. 1659, London, England—died Novem, London), English composer of the middle Baroque period, most remembered for his more than 100 songs; a tragic opera, Dido and Aeneas; and his incidental music to a version of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream called The Fairy Queen.

How did Henry Purcell learn to compose?

He is said to have begun composing at the age of 9. He eventually began studies with Dr. John Blow, after the death of Humfrey and after attending Westminster School he was appointed copyist at Westminster Abbey. In 1679, Purcell began composing songs to accompany drama, along with some sacred choral music.

Who taught Henry Purcell?

Henry Cooke When Henry was only thirteen years old, his teacher, Henry Cooke, died. Mr Cooke's son-in-law, Pelham Humphrey, who was a very clever musician, took his place and taught Henry a lot about writing different styles of music.

What types of compositions did Purcell do?

List of compositions by Henry Purcell

• 1.1 Anthems [Z 1–65]
• 1.2 Hymns and sacred songs [Z 101–200]
• 1.3 Services [Z 230–232]
• 1.4 Catches [Z 240–292]
• 1.5 Odes and welcome songs [Z 320–344]
• 1.6 Songs [Z 351–547]
• 1.7 Theatre music [Z 570–613]
• 1.8 Operas [Z 626–632]

Who was Dido and Aeneas written for?

In 1987, when my book first appeared, the scholarly consensus was that “Dido and Aeneas” was written for Josias Priest's boarding school for young gentlewomen.

Who influenced Purcell?

Purcell's dramatic settings were influenced by both the Italian and French traditions of the time and also included elements of domestic folk music. Of these only "Dido and Aeneas" is a full opera (with the famous Dido's Lament), and other works are semi-operatic or largely consist of incidental music.

Was Henry Purcell a singer?

Thomas Purcell was a gentleman of the Chapel Royal which meant that he sang in the king's choir. Soon Henry was singing in the Chapel Royal. This was the best musical training a boy could have in England. His teachers were Captain Henry Cooke, and then Pelham Humfrey.

What killed Henry Purcell?

Tuberculosis Henry Purcell/Cause de la mort The cause of his death is unclear: one theory is that he caught a chill after returning home late from the theatre one night to find that his wife had locked him out. Another is that he succumbed to tuberculosis. The beginning of Purcell's will reads: In the name of God Amen.

Where was Purcell an organist at?

Westminster Abbey In 1682 Purcell became organist of the Chapel Royal. He did this job as well as being organist at Westminster Abbey. His first printed composition, Twelve Sonatas, was published in 1683.

How old was Purcell?

36 years (1659–1695) Henry Purcell/Âge au moment du décès Purcell died in 1695 at his home in Marsham Street, at the height of his career. He is believed to have been 35 or 36 years old at the time.