Review (PDF) Purcell: A Biography
Henry Purcell (1659-1695) is the greatest of all English composers and a pivotal figure in European musical history. In this rich and colorful biography, Jonathan Keates deftly traces Purcell's life and artistry against the backdrop of the turbulent political, religious, theatrical, and social movements of his time. Purcell's musical genius both embraced and transcended the variable moods and tensions of Restoration England, and gave the period and the culture an unforgettable voice. With great skill and historical understanding, Keates follows Purcell through his extraordinarily prolific career, from chorister at the Chapel Royal, to composer for the theater and the court, to writer of sacred music, chamber music, and the triumphant Dido and Aeneas, the first British opera. Keates considers Purcell's musical studies with Pelham Humfrey and John Blow as well as his adaptation of Matthew Locke's innovative and colorful style. He provides a superb critical appreciation of Purcell's music in all its forms. Keates also discusses the musical history of the period, including the influence of French and Italian composers, whose music blended with and modified native traditions.
Hardcover: 316 pages
Publisher: Northeastern; 1St Edition edition (October 10, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 155553287X
ISBN-13: 978-1555532871
Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
Best Sellers Rank: #908,062 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #6 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Purcell #662 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Opera #2016 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Musical Genres > Opera
J. Keates writes entertainingly about the fascinating life and music of Henry Purcell (1659-1695), one of the greatest composer of baroque music. I think this biography must be a near-ideal introduction to the composer.
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