That Henry Purcell was one of the greatest English composers was a fact affirmed in his lifetime. His position as the court composer for first James II, then William III, and finally Queen Mary enabled him to write music for the most important court functions with the best possible performers under the finest possible circumstances. His Te Deum and Jubilate Deo is one of his last works of church music and, indeed, one of his last works. Written for St. Cecilia's Day, November 22, 1694, and scored for soloist, mixed choir, and an orchestra of trumpets, drums, strings, and continuo, it is one of Purcell's grandest and most ornate works. Setting the Ambrosian hymn in English, Purcell conceived his Te Deum and Jubilate Deo as a sort of English celebratory cantata with arias, duets, and trios alternating with choruses and highly embellished instrumental passages. Although there are meditative and even melancholy sections of the work, its overall tone is joyous from its festive opening chorus to its serene and sublime closing Jubilate Deo.

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