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Ground breaking and comprehensive reference volume covering an extensive range of Purcell studies, including his life and works, his milieu and the reception of his music to the present.

‘You can read the book from start to finish with as much fascination as if it were a traditionally organised monograph’ - The Gramophone Magazine

In the 30 years since the tercentenary of Purcell’s death in 1995 research into him and the musical culture of Restoration England has developed rapidly. Even the most authoritative books published then are now seriously out of date, and no-one since then has attempted to cover the whole range of Purcell studies. The book is largely taken up with A-Z dictionary entries, preceded by an up-to-date biography and followed by a work-list and bibliography. The dictionary includes entries for many of Purcell’s works; the genres he contributed to; the titles and terms he used; the instruments he wrote for; the most important manuscript and printed sources of his music; and some pressing performance practice issues.

Important threads are devoted to people associated with Purcell, including earlier composers who influenced him; his fellow composers; his pupils and followers; those who provided him with texts to set; his patrons and employers; the most important copyists, publishers and instrument makers associated with him; and those contemporaries who wrote about him. The book breaks new ground by giving particular emphasis to his performers, including the most prominent singers and dancers he worked with; and the individuals and institutions responsible for maintaining (or sometimes altering) his legacy up to the present.

Peter Holman is Emeritus Professor of Historical Musicology at Leeds University. When not occupied with writing and research, he organises performances of 17th- and 18th-century music, mostly directing them from the keyboard. He is Director of Leeds Baroque and the Suffolk Villages Festival.

Bryan White is Senior Lecturer and Director of Research at the School of Music, University of Leeds.

The Purcell Compendium was published by Boydell Press in May 2025 and is may be purchased on the Boydell & Brewer website. Enter the promo code BB135 to claim your 35% discount.

You can read Peter Holman’s interview for Continuo Connect and view Leeds Baroque’s upcoming concerts.