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The Life Of Henry Purcell

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The Life of Henry Purcell
Henry Purcell was a famous English composer during the Baroque period of music. There is very little known about Henry Purcell’s life. Purcell was born September 10, 1659 in the Westminster area of central London, England. His father, who was also named Henry Purcell was a gentleman at the Chapel Royal and the master of Choristers in Westminster Abbey but he died in 1664 when Purcell was around six years old. After the death of his father his mother Elizabeth was forced to raise their Henry and his brothers. It is unknown how many brothers Henry actually had but it is known that he had at least two, Edward and Daniel. Daniel was also a musical composer. Henry 's uncle, Thomas Purcell was also a gentleman of …show more content…

After this Henry married Frances Peters. In July 1681 their first son, Henry, was born and baptized. Unfortunately, the baby died only a week later. Their second son, John Baptista, also died as an infant in 1682 shortly after Purcell was named one of the three organists of the Chapel Royal. Later that year Thomas Purcell, Henry 's uncle, also passed away. Henry wrote his first printed composition “Twelve Sonatas” in 1683. During that year he also wrote an ode called Welcome, viceregent of the mighty king for St. Celcilla’s Day. When King Charles died in 1685 Henry wrote music for his death and for the coronation of the new King, James II. Two of the songs Purcell wrote for the coronation of King James II were “I was glad” and “My heart is inditing” both of which became very popular over the next few years. With King James II as leader some things changed he appointed Henry Purcell as the official royal harpsichordist. When Queen Mary got pregnant at the end of 1689, Purcell was hired to write an anthem for the announcement, between then and 1688 Henry wrote music for seven plays and his most famous work his opera, Dido and Aeneas.
When William and Mary gained the throne Purcell continued to work for the royal family making music but also obtained many other hobbies such as, working for Henry Playford editing and helping compose his musicals. Purcell also started

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