Henry Purcell, who lived during the Baroque era, was one of the greatest English composers of all time. As a youth, he studied under some of the finest English musicians of the period. In 1679, he was appointed organist for Westminster Abbey, where he is buried.

Purcell was also an organist for the Chapel Royal, the royal instrument keeper and a court composer. He wrote many works for church use, including anthems and settings of the liturgy and was also known for his songs, instrumental music, one opera, Dido and Aeneas, and music for stage productions. Despite the fact that he was an organist, he wrote little for this instrument.