nothing but a very slow movement: _Presto_, _Largo_, and _Vivace_, a very brisk, swift, or fast movement: _Piano_, soft. The Author has no more to add, but his hearty wishes, that his Book may fall into no other hands but theirs who carry Musical Souls about them; for he is willing to flatter himself into a belief, that with Such his labours will seem neither unpleasant, nor unprofitable, Vale." The foregoing preface is eminently characteristic of the unassuming and retiring disposition of Purcell. The sonatas have never been printed in score, but a few masterly movements selected from the parts and reduced for the pianoforte are inserted in Dr. Crotch's specimens of ancient music; a perusal of these will whet the appetite for more music of such sterling quality. This year, 1683, was a prolific one with Purcell, for we find that he composed another "Ode, or Welcome Song for the King," commencing, "Fly bold rebellion," and also an ode to celebrate the marriage of George, Prince of Denmark, with the Princess Anne, afterwards Queen. The marriage took place in July. The words of the ode commence, "From hardy climes." A large manuscript volume entirely in Purcell's hand, is still in existence, which shows that he had been busy from June, 1680, to February, 1683, in composing Fantasias in three, four, five, six, seven, and eight parts; the book in which these are written was evidently the commencement of what was intended to be a complete and lasting record of the composer's works, and perhaps it was intended for presentation to the King. The publication of the sonatas was soon followed by another entitled, "A musical entertainment perform'd on November xxii. 1683; it being the festival of St. Cecilia, a great Patroness of Music, whose Memory is annually honoured by a Public Feast made on that day by the Masters and lovers of Music as well in England as in foreign parts. London: Printed by J. Playford, junior, and are to be sold by John Playford near the Temple Church, and John Carr, at the Middle Temple Gate, 1684." The book, unlike the sonatas, which were beautifully engraven, is a wretched specimen of type-printing, and copies of it are now very rare. The Preface was addressed, "To the Gentlemen of the Musical Society, and particularly the Stewards for the year ensuing, William Bridgman, Esq., Nicholas Staggins, Doctor in Music, Gilbert Dolben, Esq., and Mr. Francis Forcer. Gentlemen, your kind Approbation and benign Reception of the performance of these _Musical Compositions_ on _St. Cecilia's Day_, by way of Gratitude, claim this Dedication; which likewise furnishes the Author with an opportunity of letting the World know the Obligations he lies under to you; and that he is to all Lovers of Music, a real Friend and Servant.--HENRY PURCELL."