Purcell
HENRY, an English composer; born in 1658. He became organist of Westminster Abbey, and in 1882 of the chapel-royal. In 1680, probably, he composed "Dido and Æneas," which has been called the first genuine English opera. He composed mainly anthems and sacred music, all of great excellence.
In 1690 he wrote the music for Dryden's version of "The Tempest." In 1691 he produced the music to Dryden's "King Arthur," considered his dramatic masterpiece. In 1694 he wrote his great works "The Jubilate" and "Te Deum," and in 1695 the music to "Bonduca," in which was "Britons, Strike Home." He died in 1695, and was buried in Westminster Abbey.