Boyce, William - Voluntary in C

Boyce was born in London, he was baptised on 11 September 1711 and was admitted by his father as a choirboy at St Paul's Cathedral in 1719. After his voice broke in 1727, he studied music with Maurice Greene.

His work as a composer began in the 1730s, writing songs for Vauxhall Gardens.
In 1736 he was named as composer to the Chapel Royal. Many of his works have been written there.

In 1749 he wrote an ode and the anthem O be joyful to celebrate the installation of the Duke of Newcastle as Chancellor of Cambridge University, and was awarded the degree of Doctor of Music. As Master of the King's Musick Boyce had the responsibility of writing music for royal occasions including funerals, weddings and coronations.

Another fine old English voluntary for the hot summer period.

The Poblet Metzler is one of my favourite instruments. All stops are so beautiful and carefully balanced against each other.

This fine piece sounds excellent on it, providing you don't expect to hear a historical registration and execution.