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Henry Purcell, also known as Orpheus Britannicus for his ability to enchant the public with his music,is the most celebrated English composer of the Baroque period. He was largely appreciated for his dramaticworks, but he also wrote a significant number of instrumental compositions such as A Choice Collection ofLessons for The Harpsichord or Spinnet.The title of the collection indicates the intended instruments Inchfor the Harpsichord or SpinnetInch. At thattime in England, spinnet was a widely used instrument. Due to it's modest size, it became a privileged instrumentfor the domestic learning, especially in wealthy families. This practice can be traced in multipleartistic representations, where the typical performer was typically young and female. Their composed appearanceis very far from the flamboyant virtuosity or exuberance. The Lessons have the same courteousattitude, but they are rich in emotional nuances. Gentleness emerges through an elegant musical stylethat is never overly sentimental.. Music sometimes can be vigorous, but it's never bold.Two centuries passed before a new composer could rival Purcell's reputation when Benjamin Brittenchose some of Purcell's works and published them in a modern arrangement, he declared that he wantedto maintain that mix of clarity, brightness, tenderness and originality that shines through all his music.
