Henry Purcell: Glory of His Age

by Margaret Campbell (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  1993

  $3.31

  Henry Purcell is Britain's best-known and most distinguished composer, the author of musical works and compositions for court, church and theatre which attract increasing contemporary audiences. Within his short life-span he impressed his stamp on the music of the whole country, both as organist at Westminster Abbey and as official composer to four monarchs (Charles II, James II and William and Mary). He also collaborated with the greatest writers and poets of his age, including Dryden, and his music was the subject of lively debate in the pages of contemporary diarists such as Samuel Pepys and John Evelyn. This book relates Purcell's life to the political, artistic and social world in which he moved - from childhood in the Restoration and experiences of the Great Fire and the Great Plague, to the complex politics of the later 17th century.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1995

  $3.31

  Henry Purcell's prolific output encompassed works for court, church and theatre. Within his short life-span (1659-95), he impressed his stamp on the music of the whole country; both as an organist at Westminster Abbey and as official composer to four monarchs. In the theatre, he collaborated with the greatest writers and poets of his age, including Dryden. Margaret Campbell tells the story of Purcell, painting a vibrant picture of the political, artistic and social world in which he lived, from his childhood in the Restoration and experiences of the Great Plague and the Great Fire to the complex politics of the later 17th century. New insights into Purcell's work are offered, including a controversial interpretation of the date of the opera Dido and Aeneas .