Henry Purcell : The English Orpheus

Although possibly the greatest of all English composers, Henry Purcell remains something of an enigmatic figure; "Dido and Aeneas" is world-famous, but much of his output for stage, church and concert room remains unfamiliar to all but the specialist.

This detailed picture of Purcell sets him against the colourful artistic and social background of late-17th-century London, and argues that he was the first composer to be subjected to market forces - always working to order and against deadlines, yet repeatedly transcending these limitations to produce music of timeless, universal significance. Richard Luckett's text is complemented by music examples and illustrations.