Henry Purcell (born c. 1659, London, England—died November 21, 1695, London) was an eminent English composer of the middle Baroque period. He is celebrated for his diverse body of work, which includes more than 100 songs, the tragic opera "Dido and Aeneas," and incidental music for Shakespeare’s "A Midsummer Night’s Dream" adaptation titled "The Fairy Queen." Purcell's compositions spanned various domains such as church music, theatrical pieces, courtly compositions, and private entertainment. His style demonstrated a blend of reverence for historical influences and an openness to contemporary Italian trends, establishing him as the most innovative English composer of his era and one of the most original in Europe.

Purcell’s early musical education took place at the Chapel Royal, where his father served as a gentleman, and he began as a chorister. After his voice changed in 1673, he became an assistant to John Hingston, the king’s instrument keeper, and succeeded him in 1683. He worked at Westminster Abbey, tuning the organ and copying organ parts, and eventually became the Abbey's organist in 1679, following John Blow. In 1682, he was appointed as one of the organists of the Chapel Royal. Throughout his career, Purcell maintained his official positions during the reigns of James II and William III and Mary.

Purcell married in 1680 or 1681 and had at least six children, though only a few survived infancy. His son Edward and grandson Edward Henry also pursued music. Purcell spent most of his life in Westminster and was working on the music for "The Indian Queen" at the time of his death; his brother Daniel completed it. Daniel Purcell, also a Chapel Royal chorister, became known for stage music after Henry's death.