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He's remembered as Britain's 'musical Shakespeare', but when it comes to Purcell's life the biographer's job is not easy. With no fewer than four Edwards, four Katherines, three Elizabeths and three Thomases in his immediate family, Purcell's family tree offers a challenge for even the most intrepid genealogist.

Ever the brave explorer, Donald Macleod enters the fray to sift fact from fiction in the life of a musical revolutionary. It's a journey which has at its heart the story of a city. London in Purcell's time was, to the innocent eye, something of a Talibanesque cultural scene. Civil war had seen musical life ripped apart, and plague did its best to ravage any artistic activities which survived. Even secular music was on its knees with playhouses shut down and performers threatened with flogging for taking part in any dramatic pursuits.

But, as we discover, Purcell managed to find opportunity where there seemed to be none. Through his entrepreneurial talent, his collaborative skill and his sheer musical brilliance, the composer forged a career which would mark him as one of the saviours of our musical heritage.

arr Pluhar: Curtain Tune on a Ground
L'Arpeggiata
Christine Pluhar, director

Voluntary for Double Organ
John Butt, organ

O God the King of Glory
The King's Consort
Robert King, director

Hear my Prayer
The King's Consort
Robert King, director

The Fairy Queen, excerpts
The Sixteen
Harry Christophers, conductor

Amidst the Shades
Barbara Bonney, soprano
Mark Caudle, viol
Robert King, organ

My Heart is Inditing
Voces 8
Les Inventions

Producer: Michael Surcombe.