Composer of the Month 6/2009: Henry Purcell   (selected Peter van Dessel / Belgium)

Belgium 11.5.2009 The English baroque composer Henry Purcell was born in Westminster on September 10th, 1659. He received an education as a choirboy in the "Chapel Royal". In 1676 he became the organist at Westminster Abbey and 1682 he also was employed as organist of the "Chapel Royal". At first, Purcell composed mainly church music and odes for festive occasions of the Royal House. 1689 his first opera "Dido and Aeneas" was played for the first time. This opera later was followed by another 38 dramatic music works in which Purcell repeatedly treated works by William Shakespeare. Among his masterpieces there is the "Te Deum and Jubilate" composed for St. Cecilia's Day 1694 as well as the "Anthem" for the funeral service for Queen Maria II. of England. Henry Purcell died - only 36 years old - on November 21st. 1695 in London. In 2009 his birth anniversay comes up again for the 350th time. The video shows organist Diane Bish at the Ruffatti organ at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale (USA) playing the "Trumpet Tune and Air" by Henry Purcell. More composers in our "members only" section.