Jeremiah Clarke's achievements were and to a certain extent still are overshadowed by the tragedy of his life. His best-known melodies have been attributed to Henry Purcell for much too long, his pupils recollected only an ill-tempered, impatient man. He was brought up as one of the 12 boy choristers (Children) of the Chapel Royal and was subsequently appointed to Winchester College in 1692. In 1695 he moved to St.Paul's Cathedral and was employed at the Theatre Royal, Catherine Street (off Drur...