Artist Spotlight: Daniel Purcell
Discovering the Other Composer Names Purcell
Daniel Purcell (c. 1664 – 26 November 1717) was an English Baroque composer and harpsichordist, whose accomplishments are generally overshadowed by those of his older brother (or perhaps, cousin), Henry Purcell. Nonetheless, Daniel was a talented and important composer in his own right, making notable contributions to the music of his time, particularly in theater and sacred compositions.
Daniel began his musical education as a chorister in the Chapel Royal, a prestigious institution known for nurturing young talent. In his mid-twenties, Daniel was appointed organist at Magdalen College, Oxford, where he began his compositional career.
Following Henry’s death in 1695, Daniel moved back to London, completing his brother’s unfinished, semi-opera The Indian Queen. Immersing himself in the city's vibrant theater scene, he became a prolific composer of incidental music, contributing to more than 40 theatrical productions. In 1713, Daniel was appointed organist of St Andrew's, Holborn, a position he held until his death in 1717.
Daniel composed a wide range of musical works, including sonatas, trio sonatas, anthems, cantatas, and court odes. While much of his music is largely neglected today, certain pieces, such as the Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in E minor, remain part of the choral repertoire.
Extra Credit Reading: In early 18th-century Britain, a competition was held to promote opera sung in English.Organizers chose poet William Congreve's libretto The Judgment of Paris for contestants to set to music. Daniel Purcell entered the contest, alongside composers John Weldon, John Eccles, and Gottfried Finger. All four works were performed individually in 1701, culminating two years later with a staging of all entries at the Dorset Garden Theatre. An audience vote awarded first prize to Weldon, an Oxford organist, composer, and student of Henry Purcell. Eccles secured second place, followed by Purcell, and lastly, Finger.
In 1989, the competition was restaged in London, excluding Finger’s setting of the opera, which had been lost. The audience again decided this winner, but this time, awarded first prize to Eccles.
Though third place is seldom cause for rejoicing, Daniel Purcell’s “The Judgment of Paris” has been revived in modern times through both concert renditions and staged productions, seeing some life after its initial lone performance in 1701.
Learn more about our upcoming Concert by Candlelight on May 18, 2025.