Purcell, Henry (1659, 1695)

Henry Purcell (1659-1695) remains one of England's most important composers. He began his musical career as a chorister in the Chapel Royal until his voice broke in 1673, when he was made assistant to John Hingeston, whom he succeeded as organ maker and Keeper of the King's instruments in 1683.

In 1677 he was appointed composer-in-ordinary for the King's violins and in 1679 succeeded his teacher, Blow, as organist of Westminster Abbey.

It was probably in 1680 or 1681 that he married and began writing music for the theatre.

In 1682 he was appointed an organist of the Chapel Royal. His court appointments were renewed by James II in 1685 and by William III in 1689, and on each occasion he had the duty of providing a second organ for the coronation.

The last royal occasion for which he provided music was Queen Mary's funeral in 1695. Before the year ended Purcell himself was dead; he was buried in Westminster Abbey on 26 November 1695.