Purcell's life was marked by personal tragedies, including the early deaths of his father, many colleagues, his uncle, and his first four children.
Composer Biography
Godfrey Finger, a Moravian viol player and contemporary of Purcell, worked as a musician in the Catholic Chapel Royal of James II in London.
Historical Context
The restoration of the Stuart dynasty under Charles II led to significant changes in English artistic and musical life, including the reopening of theatres and the return of royal musicians to court.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Purcell's devotional songs reflect the 17th-century concept of 'memento mori', encouraging daily contemplation of death to prepare for it throughout life.
Compositional Technique
Purcell's devotional songs skillfully alternate vocal solos, duets, and trios, drawing inspiration from the counterpoint of earlier English composers.
Historical Context
Henry Purcell was born in 1659, a pivotal year in English history that saw the Puritan Commonwealth crumble and the Stuart dynasty restored.
Compositional Technique
Purcell developed the 'declamatory ayre', a form of free recitative where the text takes precedence over the melody, to create dramatic effects in his devotional and 'mad songs'.
You might also enjoy...
Blow: An ode on the death of Mr. Henry Purcell etc.
Orlando Gibbons: Tudor Church Music
Purcell: Anthems, Hymns; Locke: 3 Voluntaries
Purcell, Morley & Tomkins: English Royal Funeral Music
Simpson, C.: Divisions On A Ground / Locke, M.: Duos Nos. 3 and 4 / Ford, T.: Musicke of Sundrie Kindes / Jenkins, J.: Fantasia for Violin and Viola
Purcell: Close Thine Eyes
Britten: Frank Bridge Variations - Lachrymae - Elegy for Strings - Simple Symphony - Two Portraits
