Henry Purcell

United Kingdom, 1677–1695

English composer of the Baroque period, active in London until his death at 36. Dido and Aeneas, his odes and his anthems combine French and Italian models with English text setting.

MusicRoots documents 1 artist who influenced Henry Purcell and 2 artists Henry Purcell influenced in turn. Every connection cites a published source.

Who influenced Henry Purcell?

• John Blow — Blow was Purcell's teacher and stepped down as Westminster Abbey organist in favour of his pupil — the most famous act of deference in English music.

Which artists did Henry Purcell influence?

• George Frideric Handel — Purcell's English church and ceremonial style was the tradition Handel inherited and extended when he settled in London.
• Benjamin Britten — Purcell was the ancestor Britten claimed for himself - the model for setting English words to music, and arguably the bigger musical impact on him than any living teacher.