Page "Henry Purcell" Paragraph 6

Purcell is said to have been composing at nine years old, but the earliest work that can be certainly identified as his is an ode for the King's birthday, written in 1670.

( The dates for his compositions are often uncertain, despite considerable research.

) It is assumed that the three-part song Sweet tyranness, I now resign was written by him as a child.

After Humfrey's death, Purcell continued his studies under Dr. John Blow.

He attended Westminster School and in 1676 was appointed copyist at Westminster Abbey.

Henry Purcell's earliest anthem Lord, who can tell was composed in 1678.

It is a psalm that is prescribed for Christmas Day and also to be read at morning prayer on the fourth day of the month.