Henry Purcell

Liam Schwegler
 Introduction
• Henry Purcell was a renowned English
composer of the Baroque era, known for his
contributions to both sacred and secular music.
In this presentation, we will delve into his
music, life, and an interesting story about the
composer.
 Baroque
• Baroque music is known for its ornamental melodies, complex harmonies,
and elaborate instrumentation
• Common instruments used in Baroque music include the harpsichord,
organ, violin, and cello
• Forms of Baroque music include the concerto, sonata, and suite
 Life of Henry Purcell
• Born in London, 1659
• Began working as a chorister at the Chapel Royal at
age 10
• Became the organist at Westminster Abbey in 1679
• Composed music for royal occasions, church services,
and the theater
• Died at the age of 36
 Interesting story about Henry Purcell
• One interesting story about Purcell is that he was rumored to have died
from catching a cold after his wife locked him out of their house for
coming home late from a night of drinking. While the exact cause of his
death is unknown, it is clear that he was a brilliant composer who made a
lasting impact on the world of music.
 "Trumpet Tune" from The Indian Queen
• This piece was written for a theater production, and includes both
instrumental and vocal music
• The instrumentation includes trumpet, oboe, strings, and basso continuo
• The form of the piece includes a trumpet tune, a slow air, and a final
dance
• https://youtu.be/C3XINoCP5JM
 "Dido's Lament" from Dido and Aeneas
• This is one of Purcell's most famous pieces, and is often performed as a
standalone aria
• The instrumentation includes strings, harpsichord, and basso continuo
• The form of the piece is a ground bass aria, where a repeating bass line is
accompanied by changing melodies and lyrics
• https://youtu.be/ou8A0g_jYyA
 Bibliography
• Thompson, Wendy. "Purcell, Henry." Grove Music Online. Oxford Music
Online. Oxford University Press, accessed 6 April 2023.
• Holman, Peter, ed. Cambridge Companion to Purcell. Cambridge
University Press, 1995.
• Burrows, Donald. Handel. Oxford University Press, 2012.
• Sadie, Stanley, ed. The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians.
Macmillan, 2001.
 Sources
• For the story about the thunderstorm during the performance of Purcell's ode to Queen Mary II, see: https://
www.classicfm.com/composers/purcell/guides/ten-facts-about-henry-purcell/
• For more information on the instrumentation and form of Baroque music, see: https://www.britannica.com
/art/Baroque-music
• For information on "Dido's Lament" and its form, see: https://www.classicfm.com/composers/purcell/didos-lament/
• For information on "Trumpet Tune" and "Air," see: https://www.allmusic.com/composition/the-indian-queen-masque
-for-the-stage-z-630-mc0002382042
• For the story about Purcell's variations on "Ruggiero," see: https://www.classicfm.com/composers/purcell/guides/
henry-purcell-facts/
• For the story about the Welcome Song for James II and its aftermath, see: https://www.naxos.com
/education/brief_history_baroque_music.asp and https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo
/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000021969