Purcell's Wife

Question 1

When did Purcell pass away?

Answer 1

November 21st 1695

Question 2

How old was Purcell when he died?

Answer 2

36

Question 3

Where did Purcell live and where was he buried?

Answer 3

London

Buried next to the organ in Westminster Abbey

Question 4

What are the 3 theories around Purcell’s death?

Answer 4

1. Died of tuberculosis
2. Died of chocolate poisoning from drinking cocoa which grew a toxic mould in transportation
3. Died of a chill he caught whilst locked outside by his wife after staying out too late

Question 5

What situation did her husband’s death put Frances Purcell in?

Answer 5

She was widowed and left without an income

Question 6

What did Frances Purcell do after her husband’s death?

Answer 6

Published the first book of Orpheus Brittanicus and the 1697 sonatas

Question 7

What is Purcell referred to as today?

Answer 7

England’s greatest Baroque composer + a genius

Question 8

What tribute was written to
Purcell shortly after his death?

Answer 8

John Dryden’s poem ‘An Ode, on the Death of Mr. Henry Purcell’

Question 9

Why did Purcell’s music quickly become outdated?

Answer 9

Many rapid developments in music happened at the turn of the 18th century, which caused the public to be more taken with the new Italian style headed by Handel.

Some people began to see Purcell as an inferior composer to the likes of Bach and Handel because he did not have access to the same resources as they did

Question 10

Why is it difficult to hear Purcell’s music performed today?

Answer 10

Much music of the time outside of the church was intended for domestic performance and is hence unsuited to large concert halls

It is difficult to slot his music into a programme - his overtures do not suit the modern symphony concert, the occasions for which he composed occasional music have now passed, his theatrical music is not suited to modern theatres, and choral societies deem his works as too ‘scruffy’