Purcell Society

music publication

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July 13, 2026

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The Purcell Society, founded in 1876, is dedicated to publishing authoritative and authentic editions of the works of the English composer Henry Purcell (c. 1659–1695). Purcell was a significant composer of the Baroque period, known for his songs, operas like Dido and Aeneas, and incidental music for plays such as The Fairy Queen. The society's efforts to compile and publish his complete works began in 1878 and concluded in 1965 with the release of 32 volumes. This comprehensive collection ensures that Purcell's diverse musical output, spanning church music, stage works, and secular songs, is preserved and accessible.12

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Henry Purcell
Posthumous publications
…not until 1876, when the Purcell Society was founded, was a serious attempt made to issue all of Purcell’s works. The first volume was published in 1878, the second in 1882. From 1889 to 1928 volumes appeared at intervals. Then the scheme was in abeyance until 1957, when a volume…
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…not until 1876, when the Purcell Society was founded, was a serious attempt made to issue all of Purcell’s works. The first volume was published in 1878, the second in 1882. From 1889 to 1928 volumes appeared at intervals. Then the scheme was in abeyance until 1957, when a volume…
Read More