Henry Purcell (1659-1695)

This week, Donald Macleod explores Purcell’s work during his short life in the context of the turbulent times in which he lived. This was a period of intense political and social change, encompassing three different monarchies, the plague, the great fire of London, and the arrival of another deadly pandemic.

Music featured:

Blow up the trumpet in Sion, Z10 Welcome, vicegerent of the mighty king, Z340 Jehova, quam multi sunt hostes mei, Z135 Sonata a 4 No 4 in D minor, Z805 Theodosius, or The Force of Love, Z606 Morning Service in D, Z232: Te Deum Rejoice in the Lord alway, Z49 “Bell Anthem” Lord, What is Man? Z192, "A Divine Hymn" Thou wakeful shepherd, Z98 "A Morning Hymn" Now that the sun hath veiled his light, Z193, "An Evening Hymn on a Ground" Morning Service in D, Z232: Jubilate Deo I was glad when they said unto me, Z19 Now does the glorious day appear Z332 (opening chorus) Love’s goddess sure was blind, Z331 (excerpts) From hardy Climes and dangerous Toils of War Z325 (excerpts) March and Canzona in C minor, Z860 Dido and Aeneas, Z626 (excerpts) The Fairy Queen, Z629 (excerpts) The Indian Queen, Z630 (excerpts) King Arthur, Z628, "The British Worthy" (excerpts) The Prophetess, or The History of Dioclesian, Z629 (excerpt) Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary, Z. 860i Incassum Lesbia, incassum rogas, Z83 Play Music for Abdelazer (excerpts) From Rosy Bowers

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Iain Chambers

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Henry Purcell (1659-1695) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000x6k2

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z