Voluntary IX in A minor

William Boyce (1711–1779) was one of the most significant English composers in the 18th century. He is remembered as a key figure in the history of English sacred and orchestral music.

Boyce’s organ music, particularly his voluntaries, reflects a graceful transition from the Baroque to the early Classical style. His works are typically concise, tuneful, and practical, written for use in Anglican services as preludes, interludes, and postludes.

Many, such as this voluntary, feature a slow, stately opening followed by a bright, fugal or echo-like section, combining counterpoint with accessible, singable melodies.

Although the Largo of this work calls for "full organ", I found it most effective as a foil to the fugue by opening with a warm but gentle registration. Also, the Sonnenorgel's very rare 6' stop came in handy to give the fugue more grit in the bass line.

Largo registration:
BW: Ged.fleut doux 4
BW: Gedackt 8
HW: Rohrflot 8
HW: Salicet 4
HW: Spitzflot 4
HW: Viol di gamba 8
OW: Grobgedackt 8
OW: Principal 8
OW: Rohrflot 4
OW and BW coupled to HW

Fugue registration:
BW: Gedackt 8
BW: Hobois 8
BW: Octava 2
BW: Praestant 4
BW: Scharffmixtur
HW: Fiffaro 8
HW: Rohrflot 8
HW: Rohrflotqvint 6
HW: Salicet 4
HW: Viol di gamba 8
OW: Glockleinthon 2
OW: Grobgedackt 8
OW: Octava 4
OW: Principal 8
OW: Sedecima 2
OW and BW coupled to HW