Courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery, London

(1659?–95). The most original English composer of his time, Henry Purcell composed for the church, stage, and court and for private entertainment. He combined a thorough knowledge of past musical achievements with an obvious interest in the work of his contemporaries, especially 17th-century Italian music.

Purcell was born in Westminster (now part of Greater London), England, probably in 1659. As far as is known he spent his entire life in Westminster. His father was…

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