English composer Pelham Humfrey (1647-1674) was the first to prominence of the new generation of English composers at the beginning of the Restoration. He died at the age of 27, but exerted a strong influence on his peers even at his young age, including Henry Purcell and John Blow. His early death must be considered one of the greatest tragedies in the history of English music; at his death he had already produced several works of great poignancy and expressive power.