Stupendous music from 1695 for 2022.

Rarely heard but stupendous score by Henry Purcell for the “Funeral of Queen Mary” written the year he died in 1695. There was a notable LP I loved (Seraphim/Angel) records that was thrilling. Have never heard any of this music live unfortunately. Mary II, 1695 Musical innovations made to the royal funeral began with Mary II and the inclusion of new music by Henry Purcell (1659-95), including one Graveside Sentence: “Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts.” Referred to as “Music for the Funeral of Queen Mary” (Z. 860), including the march and canzona also performed, Purcell’s setting of “Thou knowest, Lord” might have been composed to match Morley’s Sentences, accompanied by “flatt, mournful Trumpets” mirroring the vocal parts. Purcell’s “Funeral March” was a new, thunderous addition, opening with deep, heavy drums before the trumpets enter, both mournful and heraldic.