MUSIC FOR A WHILE - HENRY PURCELL

Henry Purcell was one of the most influential composers of the Baroque era. He was born in London in 1659 and was a child prodigy, mastering the organ and harpsichord at a young age. He was appointed as the organist of Westminster Abbey in 1679 and was later appointed as the organist of the Chapel Royal in 1682. Purcell's music was highly influential in the development of English music, and he is often credited with creating the first English opera.

One of Purcell's most famous works is the song "Music for a While", which was composed in 1692 and is the second of four movements from his incidental music to Oedipus, a version of Sophocles' play by John Dryden and Nathaniel Lee.

Many thanks goes to Rebekah Beall (soprano) for agreeing to record this piece with me. We are currently preparing for our upcoming collaborative recital at Christ Church Anglican Church, Beechworth, on July 30. A video of the concert will be posted on the channel in due course.