Music for Ordinary Time: Henry Purcell

 

Portrait of Henry Purcell
by John Closterman, 1695.
Source: Wikimedia Commons

Composer Henry Purcell was born sometime in 1659, possibly in early September, and died on this day -- November 21 -- in 1695.  He has the distinct reputation of being considered the greatest English composer of his time -- not equalled until several hundred years later, when Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughn Williams, William Walton and Benjamin Britten appeared in the twentieth century.

He served as an organist, and composed many pieces of liturgical chant, but also wrote for the theatre, including scores for The Fairy Queen (based on A Midsummer Night's Dream), Dido and Aeneas and The Tempest, as well as music for royal occasions -- and music for hymns we still sing today.

It's this music that's included in this reflection today...with links for your listening and viewing enjoyment.

First, from The Hymn Book of the Anglican Church of Canada -- hymns for which he wrote the tune, or for which the tune is attributed to him:

• According to thy gracious word... - Tune: "Burford"; lyrics - James Montgomery, 1825;
• For the Healing of the Nations - Tune: "Westminster Abbey"; lyrics - Fred Kaan, 1968;
• Christ is made the sure foundation... - Tune: "Westminster Abbey" (see above); lyrics - John Mason Neale, 1851; 
• Lord, teach us how to pray aright... - Tune: Walsall; lyrics - James Montgomery, 1819; and
• Lord, when we bend before thy throne... - Tune: Walsall (see above); lyrics - Rev. J. D. Carlyle, 1802.

Next...some examples of his music performed "at diverse times and in sundry places"...

VOCES8 - Hear My Prayer, O Lord

An Evening Hymn - Featuring Voices of Music

with tenor Thomas Cooley

And for those who'd like "just the music, please"...

Pavan in B Flat

played by Voices of Music

May these pieces soothe you, comfort you, and bless your day.  😊