Known as the 'English Orpheus', Henry Purcell, born in London in 1659, began his career as a chorister in the Chapel Royal, an appointment that was to mark the start of his life-long commitment to the monarchy. Today his music occupies a central position in British culture and is celebrated for its exquisite word-setting, abundant use of expression and attractive melody; comprising 16CDs, this compilation pays homage to a composer who, in spite of assimilating the then predominant French and Italian styles, was able to create a uniquely English form of Baroque music. The collection effectively traces the length and breadth of Purcell's output, from the many sacred works he was required to provide for state occasion and worship (Hear My Prayer, O Lord and Hail! bright Cecilia, among others) to secular instrumental and vocal music, written for domestic pleasure as well as the theatre. Semi-operas, anthems, odes, suites, songs, fantasias: Purcell's oeuvre was a vast and pioneering one -- all the more impressive in view of his untimely death -- and the collection presents a selection of his most famous creations (Dido and Aeneas, for example whose first known performance was at a girls' boarding school in Chelsea) alongside works which are not so widely known. With its veritable A-star list of performers and ensembles (The English Concert and Pieter-Jan Belder -- a Brilliant Classics regular -- among others), this is the perfect compilation for anyone wishing to explore Purcell's music in greater depth. Who knows what else Purcell may have achieved, had he lived beyond the tender age of 36: this collection is a testament to his indefatigable genius, one which Britain lacked until the arrival of Elgar two centuries later. Other information: - Recorded in 1991--2007: A superb collection of masterworks by "The English Orpheus", Henry Purcell, one of Britain's best and most famous composers. - Performed by the finest musicians in this field: the English Concert/Trevor Pinnock,Gabrieli Consort/ Paul McCreesh, Ottavio Dantone, Michael Chance, Musica ad Rhenum, Musica Amphion/Pieter-Jan Belder.