Composers of the Year (Radio 3) and The Birth of British Music (Â鶹Éç Two) is a celebration of the lives of four magnificent composers throughout 2009. The year marks the 350th anniversary of Purcell's birth, the 250th anniversary of Handel's death, the 200th anniversary of Haydn's death and the 200th anniversary of Mendelssohn's birth.

Henry Purcell was born in London in 1659 and probably never left the city. He spent most of his short life working as organist at Westminster Abbey. Yet in his 36 years, Purcell made a huge contribution to Britain's musical DNA. Radio 3 is celebrating the 350th anniversary of Purcell's birth with two special weekends in March and November. There's opera – King Arthur, The Fairy Queen and Dido & Aeneas; there's keyboard music, performed on original instruments; and there are two special choral evensongs from Westminster Abbey where Purcell is buried. Throughout the year, Radio 3 will bring you music, discussion and debate – everything you need for a journey into Purcell's world.

A Tribute to Mr Purcell - Radio 3 presents five programmes in The Essay, celebrating the 350th anniversary of Purcell's birth. The talks, by leading commentators, reflect different aspects of the distinguished English composer.


Biographer Jonathan Keates on Purcell's music in the context of his royal patrons.


Andrew Parrott on researching and performing Purcell's Hail! Bright Cecilia.


Roger Savage on Purcell's musical creations for the theatre.


Andrew Pinnock on how Purcell's skills as an entrepreneur helped enhance his reputation


Nicholas Kenyon on how Purcell's music has been preserved, revived and interpreted.

Bonus Download - Composer of the Week: Henry Purcell
Donald Macleod explores the composer's life and work. This episode is an edited compilation of the entire week's programmes, broadcast earlier this year, and is only available within the UK.



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