Justin Appel

Dear Friends,

Today, on the Episcopal daily lectionary, I am surprised to see three composers in brackets under the readings for the day: J. S. Bach, G. F. Handel, and Henry Purcell.

Of course, it’s wonderful to see three such creative people remembered in this annual cycle, for each of these individuals contributed mightily to the church’s worship in their times.

In the spirit of this remembrance, I wanted to simply provide several examples of Purcell’s work to help us remember his skill, and hopefully to set your day off with a healthy dose of beauty.

Henry Purcell was a boy chorister at the Chapel Royal, and he became the organist at Westminster Abbey in 1679. (You can see his name inscribed on the rather lengthy plaque of Organists at the Abbey.) He composed during a time when opera and operatic principles were making their way into the church. Some of Purcell’s most beloved compositions were in fact ceremonial music or odes written for Queen Mary II.

So, today, here are three examples for your edification. I find listening to this material to be a lovely, joyful, spiritually enlivening experience, and I hope you do too.

Yours in Christ,
Justin