Henry Purcell 1659-1695
Recognised today as one of England’s greatest composers, Purcell was active as the King’s Composer at the Chapel Royal. His intensely moving music for the funeral of Queen Mary was performed twice in 1695: once for the Queen’s funeral, and eight months later at his own burial service.
Purcell’s delightful Te Deum Laudamus was composed for St Cecilia’s Day, 1694. St Cecilia being the patron saint of music, this canticle covers a range of instrumental, solo and choral styles.