PYNE 11

1664), gentleman of Chapel Royal after Restoration, master of choristers, Westminster Abbey, member of King's band; after early death of father, Henry was chorister at Chapel Royal under Cooke and Pelham Humfrey, who is said to have shown him the French style of music; early a compr pupil in composition of Blow; copyist at Abbey 1676-78, 1688-90, orgt. there 1680 (unsupported tradition gives Blow credit for resigning in pupil's favor); orgt. at Chapel Royal 1682; composed anthems and songs from early age, “ le ons " for harpsichord; sonatas, fantasias, etc. for several instruments; incidental music for plays (the so-called “operas” are mostly detachable songs); of these the most notable are Dido and JZneas (probably 1688-90), Diodes i an 1690, Dryden's King Arthur 1691. Reckoned as greatest English compr.; there have been frequent editions of his works, but no accurate ones until foundation of Purcell Society 1878, 16 volumes published up to 1908. Chief characteristics of music are “ fondne for austere melody, relieved by strongly marked rhythm, delight m moving ba es and skill in handling ground ba , love of false relations,* beside general technical ingenuity combined with direct pa ionate expre ion.” [Grove.]; unfortunate for English music that he had no immediate succe ors. (Biography by W. H. Cummings.)