Henry Purcell was an English composer. He was born in 1659 in Westminster, London; he died 21 November 21 1695, Westminster). Many musicians think he is the greatest English composer of all times. Although he only lived until he was 36, he wrote a large amount of music. His compositions include church music, instrumental music, music for the theatre, even popular drinking songs. He wrote the first English opera. He lived in the time called the Baroque period. He liked Italian and French music, and combined those styles to make something that was typically English.