Purcell and the Music of the Restoration Period (1660–1720)

Henry Purcell

• 
• Henry Purcell is one of the most famous Baroque composers.
• His music was commissioned by wealthy patrons.
• The royal family commissioned him to write ceremonial music for royal events. Purcell also wrote trio sonatas and dance suites in the stile italiano as well as songs, including Music for a While.
• He wrote a lot of operas and music for the stage.
• He is buried in Westminster Abbey, next to the organ he once played.

The Restoration Period

• Before the Restoration period, monarchs had valued music. In the 17th century, however, King Charles I seemed only interested in music from Italy or France. It was Charles II who, returning in 1660 from exile in France, brought with him a new enthusiasm for a more cosmopolitan approach to music.
• In an attempt to improve church music, string orchestras were used to accompany singers. At the same time, Purcell and another composer, John Blow, restored the tradition of opera in England as well as the popular masque – a spoken type of entertainment interspersed with dances, ballet and songs.
• Despite the poor resources and lack of support for English composers at the end of 17th century, Purcell showed himself to be a great composer in many diverse genres, including opera, church music, chamber music, keyboard music and music for the theatre.

The Theatre Royal

• 
• During Purcell’s lifetime, the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London was in decline despite the joining together of the King’s and Duke’s companies in 1682 to form the United Company.
• The theatre in this decade was a place for political satire and social unrest. But Purcell wanted to avoid any controversy and instead wrote theatre pieces that tried not to offend anyone.