Purcell was the outstanding musician and composer of his time in Britain. Like other seventeenth-century musicians, Purcell's career began in the church, first as a chorister at the Chapel Royal, then as organist at Westminster Abbey composing anthems. At court he enjoyed the favour of successive monarchs composing odes on special occasions, but his works for Mary II are the best known, composed when Purcell was reaching the height of his powers, just before his premature death.

This edition has been pulled together by the Purcell scholar Bruce Wood, whose excellent introductory notes provide much food for thought, particularly in matters of performance practice.

• Hear my prayer, O Lord ; I was glad ; Jehova, quam multi sunt hostes mei ; Lord, how long wilt thou be angry? ; Man that is born of a woman ; O God, the King of Glory ; O God, thou art my God ; O sing unto the Lord ; Rejoice in the Lord alway ; Remember not, Lord, our offences ; Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets of our hearts ; Thy word is a lantern