Voluntary No. 7 in D minor (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.

The last four pieces in the collection all share the same direction for the registration - "Full Organ." Of course meaning the "full organ" on an 18th century English organ... ;-)

The real danger in uploading and listening to these as a group would be extreme monotony if the registration were the same for each piece. So, I've used the "full organ," but in somewhat varied intensity and color.

No. 7 in D minor is one of the more well-known of the group. A stately intro (which does call for some variety) leads into a brisk imitative section, with a nice "chromatic crescendo" built into the music. As a general rule in these "full organ" voluntaries, I've played the "prelude" somewhat softer than the "main" sections, which are also usually played (by custom) a bit quicker.

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.