Te Deum In D (Latin)

This setting of the Te Deum was written for St Cecilia’s day in 1694, almost exactly a year before the composer’s death. Composed in a highly flamboyant style, it was originally scored for adult and boy choirs, soloists, strings, bass, and trumpets, but has been scored here for SSAATB soli, SSATB chorus, and Piano accompaniment. It was edited by the organist of Westminster Abbey, J. F. Bridge, for a bicentennial commemoration in 1895, at which time the 18th century changes were replaced and the original version restored. The Latin text was provided by the musicologist R. R. Terry.

Henry Purcell (1659-1695) held numerousappointments 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.