PUR'CELL, HENRY (c.1058-95). One of the most eminent of English musicians. He was born at Westminster, and was the son of Henry Purcell, one of the gentlemen of the chapel royal appointed at the Restoration. He lost his father at the age of six, and was indebted for his musical training to Cook, Humphreys, and the famous English church organist and composer, Dr. Blow. His compositions at a very early age showed evidence of talent. In 1680 he was chosen to succeed Dr. Christopher Gibbons as organist of Westminster Abbey, and in he was made organist of the chapel royal. He wrote numer ous anthems and other compositions for the Church, which were eagerly sought after for the use of the various cathedrals, most of which have retained their place and popularity to the pres ent day. Purcell's dramatic and chamber com positions are even more remarkable. Among the former may be mentioned his music to The Tem pest. his songs in Dryden's King Arthur, his mu sic to Howard's and Dryden's Indian Queen, to Urfey's Don Quixote, and his Fairy Queen, the manuscript of which, long lost, was found in 1901. A great many of his cantatas, odes, glees,
catches, and rounds are yet in demand through out England. In 1683 he composed 12 sonatas for two violins and a bass. Purcell studied the Italian masters deeply, and often made reference to his obligations to them. In originality and vigor, as well as harmony and variety of expres sion, he far surpassed both his predecessors and his contemporaries. His church music was col lected and edited from the original manuscript by Vincent Novello, in a folio work which ap peared in 1826-36, with a portrait and essay on his life and works. He was regarded as the father of what has since come to be recognized as English melody. He died of consumption in London, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.