5 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Henry Purcell Copy 12 August 2021
Here are some little known facts about the 17th century English composer and the future musicians he inspired.
- Purcell’s interest in music began when he was a young child. It’s said that he began composing at the age of 9. His earliest work was an ode for King Charles’ birthday in 1670. (And for those of you who have written birthday songs for your dogs, you’ll know how hard they are to please).
- He landed the impressive job as organist for Westminster Abbey at the age of 20. His final resting place is next to that organ.
- The cause of Purcell’s untimely death at the age of 36 is unclear. One theory is that he caught a chill after returning home late from the theatre to find that his wife had locked him out. Another is that he died from chocolate poisoning. Both are pretty unusual.
- His music heavily influenced the work of Benjamin Britten, whose famous piece The Young Persons Guide to the Orchestra is based on a theme from Purcell’s Abdelazar.
- Pete Townshend of The Who claimed that Purcell’s harmonies influenced many of their most popular songs, including Won’t Get Fooled Again (1971), and I Can See For Miles’ (1967). The 1969 classic Pinball Wizard also features a very Purcellian intro.
