Purcell

Henry Purcell (1659-95) is unarguably England's greatest composer. He died very young, at the age of 36, but he was astonishingly prolific, leaving behind harpsichord pieces and sonatas of great beauty, as well as numerous songs, anthems, operas, and great choral masterpieces DIDO AND AENEAS and TE DEUM AND JUBILATE. This scholarly and wonderfully readable biography - by the author of an acclaimed biography of Handel is published to coincide with the tercentenary of Purcell's death. Jonathan Keates brings alive Restoration London, its thriving social scene, theatres, concert halls and the lively court of Charles II, and paints a vivid, intelligent portrait of a great artist.