Te Deum und Jubilate Z 232

„St. Cecilia’s Day was celebrated in England during Restoration times with a great festival of music. The soloists were among the best singers of the day, and their music was deliberately florid to show their virtuosity. It is in this tradition that Purcell wrote his festal ,Te Deum and Jubilate’. It was composed for St. Cecilia’s Day, 1694, and shows the same ornate style as he odes composed in previous years. It was the grand manner which assured the popularity of the work. After the initial performance, it was given annually on St. Cecilia’s day for many years. This fame ensured that the work was printed in score. The present edition has been prepared from the second edition, a copy of which is now in the possession of Glasgow University.” (Denis Arnold)