Henry Purcell (1659 -1695) English

Henry Purcell (1659 - 1695) was an English composer from London who championed a uniquely British form of opera.  He would be the most famous English composer until the 20th century.  The large majority of his output was vocal music of several styles.

Purcell grew up a couple hundred yards from Westminster Abbey and studied under the church's composer and organist John Blow.  In 1679, Purcell became the church's organist when Blow resigned. Purcell's main composing career was only about 8 years.  He died of an illness in 1688 at about 36 years old.  He received many honors at the time of his death, including being buried near the organ in Westminster Abbey.

Purcell's most important composition was his one opera, Dido and Aeneas.