Voluntary in B-flat Major (Twelve Voluntaries, Vol. 1, No. 8)

William Russell (6 October 1777 – 21 November 1813) was an English organist and composer.

He was the son of William Russell, an organ-builder, and was born in London on 6 October 1777. From age seven Russell was taught by the organists William Cope, William Shrubsole, and John Groombridge. Between 1789 and 1793 he was deputy to his father, who was organist to St. Mary's, Aldermanbury.

In 1793 he was appointed organist to the Great Queen Street chapel; cathedral services were performed there until 1798, when the chapel became a Wesleyan meeting-house. On 2 September 1798 he was elected organist at St. Anne's, Limehouse. In 1801 he was elected to a similar post at the Foundling Hospital. About the same time he resumed musical studies under Samuel Arnold.

In 1808 Russell graduated Mus. Bac. at Oxford. He died on 21 November 1813 at Cobham Row, Coldbath Fields, in Clerkenwell.

Russell's organ voluntaries were in suite form. He published Twelve Voluntaries for the Organ or Pianoforte (1807?), and a Second Book (1812).

"Voluntary in B-flat Major" is the eighth work of the first book.

It is multi-sectional, colorful in sound, and ending with a fine fugue.

This piece is one instance where Russell calls for the Pedal to be used, but in the manner of a French trio, with the 8' flute being the only stop drawn.

In the 2nd movement, "Andantino," you'll notice that the busy ornamentation is VERY classical in manner.

All-in-all this is quite a grand and satisfying work.

The score is attached below, as well as two photos of St. Anne's, Limehouse, where Russell was appointed organist in 1798.