Tune of the Day: Rondeau by Purcell
Abdelazer, or The Moor's Revenge, is a 1676 play by Mrs. Aphra Behn. The famous English composer Henry Purcell provided incidental music for a 1695 revival, shortly before his death from tuberculosis at the age of 36.
It is the Rondeau we present today that has ensured enduring fame for an otherwise forgotten play and its largely neglected music. This movement was used by Benjamin Britten as the theme for his famous 1946 set of symphonic variations known as The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra.
Thanks to Jeffrey for suggesting this piece!