Henry Purcell

c. 1659 – 21 November 1695

Henry Purcell was an English Baroque composer widely regarded as one of the greatest English composers of any era. He served as organist of Westminster Abbey and of the Chapel Royal, and composed the opera Dido and Aeneas as well as celebrated semi-operas, anthems, and odes. His distinctive style blended French and Italian influences with English traditions.

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Well-documented people whose lives overlapped with Henry Purcell.

Life events

Born in Westminster, London
c. 1659

Henry Purcell was born in Westminster around 10 September 1659 into a family of professional musicians.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Birth ✓
Became a chorister in the Chapel Royal
c. 1667

As a boy Purcell sang in the Chapel Royal choir, where he received his early musical training under Henry Cooke and Pelham Humfrey.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Education ✓
Appointed keeper of the king's instruments
1673

After his voice broke in 1673, Purcell was made assistant keeper of the royal instruments, continuing his studies under John Blow.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Appointed organist of Westminster Abbey
1679

In 1679 Purcell succeeded his teacher John Blow as organist of Westminster Abbey, a post he held for the rest of his life.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Married Frances Peters
c. 1681

Around 1681 Purcell married Frances Peters, with whom he had six children, two of whom survived infancy.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Relationship ✓
Appointed organist of the Chapel Royal
1682

In 1682 Purcell was made one of the organists of the Chapel Royal, holding the position alongside his Westminster Abbey duties.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Career ✓
Composed the opera Dido and Aeneas
c. 1689

Purcell's only true opera, Dido and Aeneas, was performed at Josias Priest's girls' school in Chelsea by 1689 and became his most famous stage work.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Premiere of the semi-opera King Arthur
1691

King Arthur, with a libretto by John Dryden, was first staged in London in 1691 and was followed in 1692 by The Fairy-Queen.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Composed music for the funeral of Queen Mary II
March 1695

Purcell wrote funeral music for Queen Mary II, performed at Westminster Abbey in March 1695; parts of it were later performed at his own funeral.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Achievement ✓
Died in Westminster, London
21 November 1695

Purcell died at his home in Westminster on 21 November 1695, aged about 36, and was buried adjacent to the organ in Westminster Abbey.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
Death ✓