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Henry Purcell
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Henry Purcell was a composer of the Baroque Period who was to become a leading influential figure in the development of English classical music. He was born into music since his father and uncle were employed by the Chapel Royal, and his brother was ... a composer and organist. Henry Purcell was also to study at the Chapel Royal, under Matthew Locke and John Blow, where he was destined to become organist after a short period playing organ in Westminster Abbey. Not much is known about his life, but a significant number of his works survive. As a composer Purcell wrote a number of works for the church and the monarchy (Charles II, James II and Queen Mary). He composed a large number of songs or "anthems" (a highly developed song form which as well as the solo voice could have sections for full chorus and orchestral interludes) and he had a natural ability to set poetry in the English language to music.
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Henry Purcell was probably born in Westminster, then a city separate from London. Son of Henry Purcell, Gentleman of the Chapel Royal and Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey, he learned early the fundamentals of his art. His parents lived in Great Almonry near the abbey, until his father died in 1664, at which time the family removed to nearby Tothill Street South. Young Henry was adopted by his uncle Thomas Purcell. Those proposing that Thomas was Henry's father uphold a theory that cannot be substantiated. The weight of the evidence still indicates that this Thomas was young Henry's uncle.
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Henry Purcell: 2 Pieces For Trumpet - Trumpet Voluntary/Trumpet Tune Composed by Henry Purcell (1659-1695), arranged by Major Herman Vincent. Set of performance parts for trumpet solo and piano accompaniment. With solo part and piano accompaniment. 5 pages. Published by Warner Brothers.
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Although Henry Purcell made unforgettable contributions to the English repertoire, he was somewhat forgotten for many years. Until the 20th century, which became an era for rediscovery of past composers, he was the last native English composer to receive international attention. This Baroque composer died in 1695 and was buried beneath the organ of Westminster Abbey.
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Henry Purcell was born to Elizabeth and Thomas Purcell. He has three other brothers. Starting out, Henry sang as a chorister in the Chapel Royal. Infact, Henry was so musically talented, that he began composing music at the age of eight! Henry was paid for copying books of organ parts. Henry became the organist at Westminster Abbey.
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Henry Purcell was born in London, 1658. Of his early instruction in music, little is know; but, as he was appointed organist of Westminster Abbey at eighteen years of age, he must have learned the elements of music when a mere child. At twenty four he was promoted to one of the three places of organist of the Chapel Royal. After this he became famed throughout the kingdom for his many excellent compositions for the church and chapel of which he was organist. It was not long before he was solicited to compose for the stage and chamber, in both of which he succeeded admirably. His songs delighted the hearer for nearly thirty years after his death, when they gave way only to the favorite opera songs of Handel.
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Henry Purcell