The Unknown Purcell

Featuring

David Pollock
Hazel Brooks
Daniel Purcell

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Composer Biography

Daniel Purcell, the composer on this album, was traditionally known as the younger brother of Henry Purcell, but they were more likely cousins.

Composer Biography

Daniel Purcell lived for over twenty years after Henry Purcell's death, adopting new musical styles that became popular around 1700, such as the da capo aria and the Italianate cantata.

Composer Biography

Daniel Purcell was known for his wit and puns, with Sir John Hawkins noting he was "better known by his puns... than by his musical compositions."

Composer Biography

Daniel Purcell's career profile suggests he was born around 1670, rather than the traditionally accepted date of 1664.

Composer Biography

Daniel Purcell was a prolific theatre composer, contributing music to over forty theatrical productions after moving to London in 1695.

Compositional Technique

The Moravian composer Gottfried Finger, known for his solo sonatas, was a dominant influence on Daniel Purcell's sonatas, particularly in their tunefulness and avoidance of counterpoint.

Compositional Technique

Many of Daniel Purcell's harpsichord pieces on this album are arrangements of his other works, with the Toccata in A minor being a rare original exception.