1. Dido and Aeneas (1689):
- Considered Purcell's operatic masterpiece.
- A semi-opera featuring the tragic love story of Dido, the Queen of Carthage, and the Trojan prince Aeneas.
- Notable for its beautiful melodies, dramatic recitatives, and ground-breaking orchestral effects.
2. The Fairy Queen (1692):
- A semi-opera written for a revival of William Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream."
- Features enchanting melodies and captures the play's mythical and magical atmosphere.
- Contains the popular aria "The Plaint."
3. King Arthur (1691):
- A semi-opera based on the legendary King Arthur.
- Celebratory music with patriotic undertones, commissioned for the birthday celebration of King Charles II.
- Includes renowned arias like "Fairest Isle" and the popular chorus "Britons, Strike Home."
4. Music for the Royal Court:
- Purcell composed a significant amount of court music, including anthems, odes, and incidental music for royal ceremonies.
- Notable anthems include "My Heart is Inditing" and "Rejoice in the Lord Always."
5. Keyboard Music:
- Purcell wrote numerous pieces for harpsichord, including suites and fantasias.
- Known for his inventive and intricate keyboard writing, demonstrating his virtuosity.
- His "Harpsichord Suites" are among the most celebrated works in the genre.
6. Songs:
- Purcell composed numerous songs for solo voice, ranging from sacred to secular themes.
- "Music for a While" and "Sweeter than Roses" are examples of his renowned songs.
Purcell's works are remarkable for their emotional depth, technical mastery, and innovation in composition. His contributions to English music were influential and continue to be admired by musicians and audiences alike.