Voluntary No. 10 in G major (Ten Voluntaries for the Organ or Harpsichord)

The important and highly respected William Boyce (1711-1779) was a significant composer and musician of his time. His works and contributions still stand tall today.

Rather than give the same biographical information in each of these uploads, I thought it perhaps more "interesting" to share a few thoughts that I had about the music, and how I got the sounds that you are hearing.

I think that the Hereford Willis is actually an excellent instrument for 18th century music, and the sounds are all there - you just have to be slightly creative to make it all work, and do so WITHOUT pushing buttons, which would not have been possible in the composer's time.

The last four pieces in the collection all share the same direction for the registration - "Full Organ." Of course meaning the "full organ" on an 18th century English organ... ;-)

The real danger in uploading and listening to these as a group would be extreme monotony if the registration were the same for each piece. So, I've used the "full organ," but in somewhat varied intensity and color.

No. 10 in G major is also one of the more well-known of the group, and it is certainly the grandest of the lot. A solemn prelude leads into a very lively and pleasing Double Fuge, and it really does shine!

By custom, 16' stops are never used in this music, but I took the liberty of adding the 16' Open Diapason for the conclusion, which is "led into" by a brief flourish (cadenza). The effect is both joyous and final, and is successful in finishing off the entire group of voluntaries.

You really need to look at the score which is attached below, as well as a photo of a portrait of William Boyce.

I never really "played" these pieces. A few of them I used as "prelude/postlude music," but it surprises me to find them as challenging as I am! They require a clean and "polished" touch, and would make great learning pieces, that are highly suitable for recitals or church use.