Henry Purcell, the composer, started his musical career at age ten as a chorister at the Chapel Royal in London, following in the footsteps of his father and uncle.
Performer Biography
Kevin Mallon, the conductor and director of the Aradia Ensemble, founded the group in 1999 and has made over 50 recordings for Naxos.
Performer Biography
The Aradia Ensemble, based in Toronto, specializes in performing orchestral, operatic, and chamber music on original instruments, with over 30 recordings for Naxos.
Historical Context
The London theatrical world during Purcell's time was a competitive environment, where music by sought-after composers like Purcell could give a performance a vital edge.
Composition History
While Purcell's main duties involved sacred music, he also had a lifelong passion for theatre, creating works like 'Dido and Aeneas' and incidental music for plays.
Composer Biography
Purcell's career was marked by continuous royal favor, including appointments to the King's private music under James II and William III, and as an organist at the Chapel Royal.
Compositional Technique
Purcell's contributions to plays were not full operas but 'semi-operas,' which are plays with integrated musical episodes and dances.
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