PURCELL. The name of a family of musicians in the 17th and 18th centuries, which included amongst its members the greatest and most original of English composers.
The name of ‘Pursell,
’ presumably Henry Purcell the elder, is first found in Pepys's diary, under date Feb. 21, 1660, where he is styled ‘Master of Musique.
’ Upon the re-establishment of the Chapel Royal (in 1660) Henry Purcell was appointed one of the Gentlemen. He was also Master of the...