Who was Henry Purcell?
Music Composer. Date and Place of Birth: 1659, London, England. Family Background: The son of Thomas Purcell a court musician and Chapel Royal Chorister. Education: Apprenticed to the Keeper of the King’s Keyboard and Wind Instruments. Chronology/Biography of Henry Purcell: 1660: (May) King Charles the Second arrives back in London after the Interregnum. (July) John Hingeston, Purcell’s godfather appointed as the Tuner and Repairer of His Majesties Wind Instruments. 1663: Birth of his brother Daniel who was also later to become a composer. 1680: Began writing incidental music for plays at the Duke of York’s Theatre, London by William Congreve and John Dryden amongst others. 1661: His father is appointed as Master of the Choristers at Westminster Abbey. (April) Coronation of King Charles the Second. 1662: Purcell’s Uncle Henry appointed as Composer in Ordinary to the violins. 1664: Death of his father. He is then looked after by his Uncle Thomas. 1668: Purcell becomes a chorister in the
