At just 18 years old, Henry Purcell succeeded Matthew Locke as the composer to King Charles II.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Henry Purcell had an extraordinary talent for setting the English language, creating vocal lines that reflected both verbal rhythms and syllabic stress patterns.
Compositional Technique
Henry Purcell's string writing is brilliant; he composed for the 'Twenty-Four Violins,' a unique ensemble modeled on the French court orchestra but with a different distribution of instruments.
Composer Biography
Henry Purcell, the composer, died on November 21, 1695, in his 37th year, as indicated by his memorial stone in Westminster Abbey.
Performer Biography
The Sixteen, led by Harry Christophers, has made over 150 recordings and is known for its annual Choral Pilgrimage to cathedrals and other UK venues.
Historical Context
Purcell's 'Welcome Songs' were composed for occasions like the King's birthday, New Year, and his return to London, and were performed in the Hall Theatre in the Palace of Whitehall, which was destroyed in the 1698 fire.
Performer Biography
Harry Christophers, the conductor, founded The Sixteen almost 40 years ago and has set benchmark standards for choral music performance.
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