An extensive survey of the genre from the mid-1670s to the reign of Queen Anne, thirteen sets of theatre airs by Purcell’s contemporaries and followers offer valuable context for his own contribution to the repertoire, and broaden our appreciation of secular music-making in Restoration England. Earlier collections of airs by Locke and Smith, Turner, Anonymous and Grabu were composed for the Duke’s Company and its successor, the United Company.

Following the latter’s dissolution in 1695, furth...