William Boyce (1711-1779); ENG

William Boyce (1711–1779) was an English composer and organist whose career encompassed church, court, theater, and public concert music in eighteenth-century London. Born in London, he became a chorister at St Paul’s Cathedral and studied with the cathedral organist Maurice Greene. Boyce subsequently held organist posts at several London churches and became a composer to the Chapel Royal in 1736. In 1755 he was appointed Master of the King’s Musick, succeeding Greene, and three years later became an organist of the Chapel Royal. Increasing deafness eventually forced him to reduce his performing activities, but he remained active as a composer and editor. One of his most important scholarly achievements was the compilation of Cathedral Music, a three-volume anthology that preserved a substantial repertory of English sacred music from earlier generations.

Boyce wrote odes, anthems, theater music, songs, chamber works, and instrumental pieces in a style combining English traditions with the clarity and vitality of the late Baroque and early Classical periods. He is now especially remembered for his eight Symphonies, published together in 1760 but largely derived from overtures and other earlier works. Their concise forms, energetic rhythms, and attractive orchestration have kept them in the repertory. His sacred output includes numerous anthems and services for the Chapel Royal, while works for royal occasions demonstrate his command of ceremonial choral writing. Boyce also supplied music for theatrical productions, including Shakespeare revivals. Although his reputation declined after his death, twentieth-century revivals restored recognition of his craftsmanship and historical importance. His music forms a significant bridge between the English Baroque tradition of Purcell and Handel’s era and the emerging Classical style.

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Read biography at allmusic.com.