Henry Purcell

*Dido and Aeneas* (c. 1689) is Purcell's most famous composition, an English-language opera best known for Dido's lament "When I am laid in earth." The aria is considered one of the most emotionally powerful moments in all of Baroque music and remains widely performed today.

*The Fairy-Queen* (1692) is a semi-opera by Purcell based on Shakespeare's *A Midsummer Night's Dream*, featuring a spoken play interspersed with musical masques. The full score was lost for centuries and only rediscovered in 1901, allowing the work to be revived in modern performance.

Purcell served as Composer-in-Ordinary for the King's Twenty-Four Violins and later became Organist of the Chapel Royal, positions he held under Charles II, James II, and William and Mary. He composed numerous odes and welcome songs for royal occasions, including *Hail, bright Cecilia* (1692) for St. Cecilia's Day celebrations.

Purcell died on November 21, 1695, at approximately 36 years old, with the cause of death uncertain but possibly tuberculosis or pneumonia. His early death cut short a remarkable career, and he was buried in Westminster Abbey near the organ he had played.