Classical Composers: Purcell, Elgar, Britten

Henry Purcell (1659-1695) was organist at Westminster Abbey and developed a distinct British style. Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934), born in Worcester, wrote the Pomp and Circumstance Marches — March No 1 (Land of Hope and Glory) is played at the Last Night of the Proms. Gustav Holst (1874-1934) wrote The Planets suite. Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) wrote operas including Peter Grimes and Billy Budd, and founded the Aldeburgh Festival. Handel, though German-born, became British and wrote the Messiah oratorio.