Henry Purcell (1659-1695) held numerous appointments 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. Written in 1683 Welcome To All The Pleasure (Z339) is the first of the three Odes that Purcell wrote for St Cecilia's Day. It was commissioned by the London Music Society for their first festival and sets a poem by Christopher Fishburn. It is scored for SATB Chorus; Alto Tenor and Bass soloists; and Strings.
