1678. Resigned the appointment of copyist at Westminster Abbey. "Sweet Tyraness," newly arranged, republished. Music for "Timon of Athens" composed.
1679. Composed music for Rev. John Gostling's voice.
1680. Appointed organist of Westminster Abbey. Composed music for (1) "The Virtuous Wife;" (2) "Theodosius;" and the Opera "Dido and Æneas." Also two Odes, "A welcome song for his Royal Highness's return from Scotland," and "A song to welcome his Majesty home from Windsor."
1681. Composed an Ode for the King, "Swifter, Isis, swifter flow."
1682. Purcell appointed organist of the Chapel Royal. Composed an Ode for the King "On his return from Newmarket;" also music for "The Lord Mayor's Show." His uncle Thomas died; a son, John Baptista, born and died.
1683. Sonatas of three parts published. Appointed "composer in ordinary" to the King. Composed three "Odes for the festival of St. Cecilia;" also "A welcome song for the King;" "Fly, bold rebellion;" and Ode, "From hardy climes," for Prince George of Denmark, on his marriage with the Princess Anne.
1684. Published a "St. Cecilia" Ode. Composed an Ode to welcome the King, "On his return to Whitehall after his summer's progress." Performed on the new organ erected by Father Smith in the Temple Church.
1685. James II. crowned in Westminster Abbey. For the ceremony Purcell composed two Anthems, "I was glad," and "My heart is inditing." Composed an Ode, "Why are all the muses mute," in honour of the King. Also the music for "Circe."
1686. Composed "Lilliburlero," also the music for "Tyrannic Love." His brother and pupil, Daniel, appointed organist of Magdalen College, Oxford. His infant son, Thomas, died. An Ode for the King, "Ye tuneful muses," composed.
1687. Composed an Elegy on the death of John Playford, the younger. An Ode for the King, "Sound the trumpet, beat the drum." Purcell's son, Henry, born and died.
1688. Purcell composed, by command, a thanksgiving Anthem for the Queen's pregnancy, "Blessed are they that fear the Lord." Composed also the music for "A fool's preferment," an Ode "For the King," and the Anthem, "The Lord is King." A daughter, Frances, born.
1689. William and Mary crowned in Westminster Abbey. Purcell threatened, by Dean and Chapter of Westminster, with suspension. Composed "Celestial music" an Ode "At the Prince of Denmark's coming home," also "The Yorkshire feast song." A son, Edward, born.