Abstract
The development of Henry Purcell’s sacred music in the second half of the seventeenth century originates in a fruitful compromise between the political and religious constraints of Restoration England and the contribution of the continental baroque. The stylistic evolution of his religious compositions reflects the political and religious developments which took place during the successive reigns of Charles II, James II and William of Orange. As a baroque musician and a native of an anti-papist country, Purcell showed considerable skill in the art of setting words to music and managed to blend in the reformers’emphasis on the intelligibility of the text with Counter-Reformation aesthetics.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
