Purcell, H.: Ode for St. Cecilia's Day / Te Deum

Featuring

Robert Glenton
Jeni Bern
Susan Bisatt
William Purefoy
Christopher Robson
Ian Honeyman

Thomas Guthrie
David Staff
Orchestra of the Golden Age
Choir of the Golden Age
Henry Purcell

Did you know?

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Compositional Technique

Purcell's 1694 setting of the Te Deum and Jubilate was highly innovative, notably by adding a pair of trumpets, which had never previously been used in English church music.

Historical Context

The 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688, which replaced King James II with William of Orange, further led to the decline of the royal musical establishment, as William had little interest in music beyond military bands.

Composer Biography

Henry Purcell's father was choirmaster of Westminster Abbey, and Matthew Locke, a senior court composer, was a family friend, ensuring Purcell grew up surrounded by music.

Historical Context

After Charles II's death in 1685, his Catholic successor James II ignored the Anglican Chapel Royal, leading to its decline and Purcell's increased focus on theatre music.

Composition History

In 1683, Purcell and other musicians founded a Musical Society to promote an annual Cecilian festival in London, emulating a continental custom.

Composer Biography

At seven or eight years old, Purcell became a chorister at the Chapel Royal, the most glittering musical establishment in England, enjoying enthusiastic support from King Charles II.