Voluntary No. 2 in G Major

William Walond (born Oxford, baptized 16 July 1719 – died Oxford, buried 21 August 1768) was an English composer and organist.

After four years as Assistant Organist of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, Walond graduated from Christ Church, Oxford in 1757. His setting of Alexander Pope's "Ode on St Cecilia's Day" had served as his exercise.

He published two sets of voluntaries for the organ or harpsichord (op. 1, c. 1752 and op. 2, 1758) and the anthem "Not unto us, O Lord."

Of his fourteen children, his eldest son William Walond Jr. (c. 1750-1836) became the last 'Organist' of Chichester Cathedral, before the post was merged with 'Master of the Choristers' in 1801.

Many of the "voluntaries" of this period have similarities between them, but these by Walond are particularly attractive.

The first one in G major is a "Cornet Voluntary" which begins with a short prelude played upon the "diapasons," followed by a more extended "solo". This one does not have an "echo" in it.

I don't usually equate the Salisbury Willis with the "best" sounds for these pieces, so, I thought I would experiment to see if I could get good results as well as some variety. I'm hoping to show a good bit of variety as I work through these pieces.

I believe that this voluntary is one of the more well-known works by Walond, and it's very appealing in its content.

The opening "prelude" is played using the Choir Diapasons 8'. The "solo" is played using a sort composite Cornet, combining stops from the Great and Solo and Swell, and the bass remains on the Choir.

All of these voluntaries were edited by Gordon Phillips (1908-1991).

I was not able to find an image of William Walond, but I did attach a photo of the interior of the magnificent Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford, where Walond was assistant organist.

Feel free to contact me by Direct Message for a copy of the score.

I'm working my way through the set of 6, so, more Walond coming each day for awhile. :-)

Peace to All.