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Stained glass within the National Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC

Orpheus Britannicus

Music of Henry Purcell

Composer

Henry Purcell
Hail! Bright Cecilia (Ode on St. Cecilia’s Day 1692), Z. 328
My heart is inditing, Z. 30
Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem, Z. 46
O sing unto the Lord, Z. 44

Director’s Series

By the age of 21, Henry Purcell (1659–1695) held the three most coveted musical positions in England. Widely praised after his death as Britain’s Orpheus, Purcell’s Hail! Bright Cecilia, delivers English Baroque style at its most powerfully expressive and eloquent. Purcell was the ultimate dramatist of his day and undeniably the most skilled Baroque composer to set the English language to music. In addition to his well-remembered Ode, we present celebrated sacred works for the English Chapel Royal and grand anthems for occasions of state.

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Director’s Series

By the age of 21, Henry Purcell (1659–1695) held the three most coveted musical positions in England. Widely praised after his death as Britain’s Orpheus, Purcell’s Hail! Bright Cecilia, delivers English Baroque style at its most powerfully expressive and eloquent. Purcell was the ultimate dramatist of his day and undeniably the most skilled Baroque composer to set the English language to music. In addition to his well-remembered Ode, we present celebrated sacred works for the English Chapel Royal and grand anthems for occasions of state.

Vocalists

  • Amy Nicole Broadbent Amy Nicole Broadbent soprano
  • Clifton Massey Clifton Massey countertenor
  • Matthew Loyal Smith Matthew Loyal Smith tenor
  • Jonathon Adams Jonathon Adams bass
  • Jason Widney Jason Widney bass

Read the Program Notes

Sally Wells and Dorothy B. Wexler, underwriters

More Information