Henry Purcell

Henry Purcell (September 10, 1659 - November 21, 1695), a Baroque composer, is generally considered to be one of England's greatest composers — indeed, he has often been called England's finest native composer. Purcell inco

Henry Purcell (September 10, 1659 - November 21, 1695), a Baroque composer, is generally considered to be one of England's greatest composers — indeed, he has often been called England's finest native composer. Purcell incorporated Italian and French stylistic elements but devised a peculiarly English style of Baroque music.

Purcell was born in St Ann's Lane, Old Pye Street, Westminster. His father, Henry Purcell (pronounced Pursell with the accent on the first syllable), was a gentleman of the Chapel Royal, and sang at the coronation of King Charles II of England. Henry the elder had three sons, Edward, Henry and Daniel, the youngest of whom (died 1717) was also a prolific composer.