Playford, Henry

1657-1710

Son of John Playford, whom he succeeded in business in 1684. Born and died in London. Was a partner of Richard Carr at the Middle Temple Gate, opposite St. Dunstan's Church, but later became proprietor. The date of his death is uncertain. He continued the publication of his father's works, and himself issued the Theatre of Musick; Banquet of Musick; Blow's Ode on the Death of Purcell; ten sonatas, and a Te Deum, and Jubilate for St. Cecilia's Day, both by Purcell; Purcell's Orpheus Britannicus; Blow's Amphion Anglicus; a collection of original Scotch tunes. The publication of The Pleasant Musical Companion resulted in the organization of a club which gave concerts three times a week at a London coffee-house and one which met weekly at Oxford.