On what’s thought to have been his 18th birthday, 10 September 1677, Henry Purcell’s first appointment to the court of Charles II was as composer-in-ordinary. Going on to become organist at Westminster Abbey and to the Chapel Royal, also serving James II and William and Mary, Purcell’s prolific composing career – cut tragically short, like that of Mozart – proved to be rather extraordinary.
In the context of Charles III’s recent accession to the throne, Harry Christophers’ concert with his Sixteen choir and orchestra, programming Welcome Songs and music written for the coronation of James II, was a timely lesson about musical culture in turbulent political times.
