The Great Musicians: PurcellCummings, William Hayman
History
The Great Musicians: Purcell
Cummings, William Hayman
Purcell, Henry, 1659-1695
1674. Humphreys died; succeeded by Dr. John Blow.
1676. Purcell appointed copyist of Westminster Abbey. Composed
music for (1) "Epsom Wells;" (2) "Aurenge-Zebe; (3) "The Libertine."
1677. Purcell composed an Elegy on the death of Matthew Locke; also
the music for "Abdelazor."
1678. Resigned the appointment of copyist at Westminster Abbey.
"Sweet Tyraness," newly arranged, republished. Music for "Timon of
Athens" composed.
1679. Composed music for Rev. John Gostling's voice.
1680. Appointed organist of Westminster Abbey. Composed music for
(1) "The Virtuous Wife;" (2) "Theodosius;" and the Opera "Dido and
Æneas." Also two Odes, "A welcome song for his Royal Highness's
return from Scotland," and "A song to welcome his Majesty home from
Windsor."
1681. Composed an Ode for the King, "Swifter, Isis, swifter flow."
1682. Purcell appointed organist of the Chapel Royal. Composed
an Ode for the King "On his return from Newmarket;" also music
for "The Lord Mayor's Show." His uncle Thomas died; a son, John
Baptista, born and died.
1683. Sonatas of three parts published. Appointed "composer in
ordinary" to the King. Composed three "Odes for the festival of
St. Cecilia;" also "A welcome song for the King;" "Fly, bold
rebellion;" and Ode, "From hardy climes," for Prince George of
Denmark, on his marriage with the Princess Anne.
1684. Published a "St. Cecilia" Ode. Composed an Ode to welcome the
King, "On his return to Whitehall after his summer's progress."
Performed on the new organ erected by Father Smith in the Temple
Church.
1685. James II. crowned in Westminster Abbey. For the ceremony
Purcell composed two Anthems, "I was glad," and "My heart is
inditing." Composed an Ode, "Why are all the muses mute," in honour
of the King. Also the music for "Circe."
1686. Composed "Lilliburlero," also the music for "Tyrannic Love."
His brother and pupil, Daniel, appointed organist of Magdalen
College, Oxford. His infant son, Thomas, died. An Ode for the King,
"Ye tuneful muses," composed.
1687. Composed an Elegy on the death of John Playford, the younger.
An Ode for the King, "Sound the trumpet, beat the drum." Purcell's
son, Henry, born and died.
1688. Purcell composed, by command, a thanksgiving Anthem for the
Queen's pregnancy, "Blessed are they that fear the Lord." Composed
also the music for "A fool's preferment," an Ode "For the King,"
and the Anthem, "The Lord is King." A daughter, Frances, born.
1689. William and Mary crowned in Westminster Abbey. Purcell
threatened, by Dean and Chapter of Westminster, with suspension.
Composed "Celestial music" an Ode "At the Prince of Denmark's
coming home," also "The Yorkshire feast song." A son, Edward, born.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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