Prelude and Air

Henry Purcell (c. 10 September 1659 – 21 November 1695) was an English composer. Although incorporating Italian and French stylistic elements into his compositions, Purcell's legacy was a uniquely English form of Baroque music. He is generally considered to be one of the greatest English composers; no other native-born English composer approached his fame until Edward Elgar, Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Benjamin Britten in the 20th century.

A "Purcell Album of Trumpet Tunes" was arranged for organ by Henry Coates, and published by Edwin Ashdown Ltd. in 1942. The "Prelude and Air" is the seventh and last work in the volume.

It is essentially a "trumpet echo" in 3/4 time. I've taken it briskly, but still at a moderate pace. The "Air" is more lyrical, but fits perfectly between the framing sections. I've kept the registration fairly light, but there still needs to be some substance to balance the Solo tuba!

These excellent arrangements were all done by Henry Coates, who was Organist and Master of the Choristers at Bradford Cathedral from 1893-until 1939.

In this performance you hear the "small" Solo Tuba in dialogue with the "large" Swell Trumpet. Notice also the brightness and clarity of the chorus work.

The score is attached below, as well as a painting of Henry Purcell, and a photo of his grave in Westminster Abbey. There are also several photographs of Bradford Cathedral, where Henry Coates served as organist.