Epitaph on Henry Purcell

Mary Hudson's Epitaph on Henry Purcell is a rich five-part setting for SSATB voices, a fine example of the glee tradition of the period. The music opens with an immediate sense of grandeur and importance, reflecting the high esteem in which Purcell was held. The voices weave together to express the text's poignant lament for a cherished figure, soon departed, while simultaneously celebrating his enduring legacy. The composer captures the contrast between earthly loss and heavenly reception, and the final lines affirm his immortality through the lasting power of his music, particularly his organ works and contributions to sacred choral music. This is a moving tribute, fitting for a skilled choir.