Voluntary No. 6 in C 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.

This is probably the most unique and "modern" of the set of 10 pieces. The opening "prelude" is really more a "minuet" and almost looks towards the music of Mozart. Also notice how Boyce gets more "variety" in solo colors than many contemporaries. This is more "avant garde" than the music of John Stanley, who was also very "advanced" for the time.

The opening section (Slow) dialogues the combined Clarinet & Cor Anglais of the Solo (seeking to imitate a Cremona), and the "Diapasons" are played on the Great 3rd Open & Stopped. The "Choir Bass" is played upon the Lieblich Gedeckt (Stopped Diapason) and Dulciana.

In the second (Fast) section, the registrations remain the same, with the Swell Trumpet being thrown in to the dialogue mix. I have to say that this Trumpet, especially in the high register, and with a lot of "flutter" to the ornaments sounds amazing.

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.