A Lesson (c. 1788)

William Selby (1738–1798) — A Lesson (c. 1788) for organ

1. Allegro
2. Andante
3. [Allegro]

William Selby (1738–1798) was born in London where he was active as an organist and composer until 1773. He immigrated to the USA that year to become the organist at Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island. He served also as organist of Trinity Church, Boston before becoming the organist at King’s Chapel (Boston) from 1782 until his death. Beginning during the Revolutionary War, in addition to his musical activities, Selby also managed a grocery and liquor shop in Boston. Between 1782 and 1793 he presented a noted series of concerts throughout Boston often containing the first American performances of significant works by contemporary European composers.