Henry Purcell (1659-1695) held numerous appointments at the Royal Court and Westminster Abbey, and is considered by many to be the greatest ever English-born composer. His prolific work covered all fields:orchestral,ecclesiastical, operatic, theatrical, incidental, and chamber music were all enriched by his output.

The evocative anthem Thou Knowest, Lord (Z 58) was written in 1687, and later included inWilliam Croft'ssetting of the Burial Service 'for reasons ...