description Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell (Blow) Overview
John Blow's Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell is an English Baroque elegy composed in 1696 following Purcell's death. It sets a text by John Dryden for two countertenors, recorders, and continuo, using intertwined vocal lines and restrained instrumental writing to commemorate the composer. Blow had been Purcell's teacher and a fellow organist at Westminster Abbey, giving the work a direct personal and professional connection to its subject.
help Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell (Blow) FAQ
Who wrote the text for John Blow's Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell?
The ode sets a text by John Dryden, one of the leading English poets and dramatists of the period. Dryden and Purcell had collaborated on works including the semi-opera King Arthur, making Dryden's elegiac text especially fitting.
What instruments are scored in Blow's Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell?
The work is scored for two countertenors, recorders, and continuo, reflecting the restrained chamber style typical of late 17th-century English odes. The recorder parts give the piece a particularly mournful character suited to its elegiac purpose.
When did John Blow compose the ode for Purcell?
Blow composed the ode in 1696, the year after Henry Purcell's death in November 1695. The two composers were closely connected, with Blow having been Purcell's senior colleague at the Chapel Royal and a successor as organist of Westminster Abbey.
Is Blow's Ode on the Death of Mr Henry Purcell still performed today?
Yes, it remains one of Blow's most frequently performed and recorded works, valued as both a musical masterpiece and a poignant tribute. It is a staple of the English Baroque choral repertoire and has been recorded by leading early music ensembles.
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