William Boyce (1711-1779) - The charms of harmony display (c.1738)

Happy birthday William Boyce! 🎭👑

Composer: William Boyce (1711-1779)
Work: Ode 'The charms of harmony display' (c.1738)
Performers: Patrіck Burrowes (boy soprano); Willіam Purefoy (alto (boy);
Andrew Wаtts (counter-tenor); Richard Edgar-Wilson (tenor); Michael George (bass-baritone);
Choir of New College Oxford; Hаnover Band; Grаhаm Leа-Cox (conductor)

Painting: Pieter Angillis (1685-1734) - Covent Garden (c.1726)
HD image: https://flic.kr/p/2nKeJdL
Drawing: John Keyse Sherwin (1751-1790) - Portrait of the composer William Boyce
HD image: https://flic.kr/p/2nKeJes

Further info: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boyce-Davids...
Listen free: https://open.spotify.com/album/6CI2Bg...

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William Boyce
(London, bap. 11 September 1711 - London, 7 February 1779)

English composer and organist. His earliest musical education was as a chorister at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, after which he was a student of Johann Pepusch and Maurice Greene. In 1734 he obtained his first position as an organist at the Oxford Chapel, and in 1736 he became a composer for the Chapel Royal. By 1755 he was well known for his stage works, including the 1740 masque Peleus and Thetis and The Chaplet, a favorite pastoral opera from 1749. In 1755 he was appointed as master of the King’s Musick, and three years later organist of the Chapel Royal. Shortly thereafter he was forced to retreat from official duties owing to increasing deafness, and instead concentrated upon finishing the compendium Cathedral Music begun by his teacher Greene. This volume of Anglican Church services from all ages is still partially in use. His other music includes eight symphonies derived from stage works, 50 or more cantatas and odes, 60 anthems, 12 trio sonatas, 12 overtures or small symphonies, five complete Anglican services, two oratorios (including David’s Lamentation over Saul and Jonathan from 1736), and a host of incidental music and keyboard voluntaries.