Henry Purcell (1659-1695) was an English composer of the Baroque period, often regarded as one of the greatest native-born composers in English music. He worked in London as organist, court musician and theatre composer.

His works include sacred music, odes, songs, keyboard pieces, chamber music and stage works, most famously Dido and Aeneas and music for The Fairy Queen and King Arthur.

Purcell’s music combines expressive word setting, harmonic daring and a distinctive melodic profile. He could write with ceremonial grandeur, theatrical vividness or heartbreaking intimacy.

His life was short, but his influence and reputation have endured powerfully. Purcell made the English language sing with a suppleness and emotional precision still difficult to match.