Henry Purcell

What era was Purcell in?

Baroque

What century did Purcell work in?

the 17th century (1600’s)

What are the important aspects of the composer’s biography?

• 1659 he was born in London and his father was a professional musician

• He had connections with the royal court

• 1695 wrote Abdelazar and died in London

• 1698 and 1702 a collection of Purcell’s songs were released (British Orpheus)

• 1876 Purcell society founded in England to publish Purcell’s works and promote performances

What genre did he write in?

Opera, semi-opera, incidental music, British Orpheus, Rondo

What piece did we listen to?

Rondo by Henry Purcell from his theater music for Abdelazar

What significant things do we associate with this composer?

• Purcell is considered the best English composer of the 17th century

• He wrote sacred and secular music for vocal and instrumental music

• He wrote the first opera in English (Dido and Aeneas)

How is the Rondo genre defined?

A multi-sectional composition (or movement within a larger composition) that alternates an “A” section with contrasting sections; thus ABACA, ABABA, or other combinations

What piece did we look at as an example of the genre

Abdelazar by Henry Purcell

How is Abdelazar structured?

repeating Rondo structure, ABACA, 17th century