What was Orpheus Britannicus and why was it important?

Orpheus Britannicus was a significant two-volume collection of songs by the English composer Henry Purcell, issued by the publisher Henry Playford in 1698 and 1702.1

Its importance lies in its role as a major posthumous publication of Purcell’s work. Because very little of Purcell’s music was published during his lifetime, this collection was instrumental in preserving and disseminating his vocal compositions to the public. The work was highly successful, going through three editions and remaining in circulation until the mid-18th century, which helped cement Purcell's legacy as a preeminent figure in English music.1