WILLIAM BOYCE ( b London, bapt. 11 Sept. 1711; d Kensington, 7 Feb.1779 )

The distinguished English composer, organist and scholar William Boyce is also recognised today as the compiler of three volumes of the Cathedral Music, which remained in use almost to the end of the 19th century. He is affectionately regarded among church musicians today as �a father� of English Church Music, but he is also renowned for his works for the Theatre, composing everything from short operas to songs and instrumental music. He received the degree of Mus. D. from Oxford in 1749 and was appointed Master of the King�s Music in 1755 where his duties included being master of King George III�s Orchestra.

William Boyce composed eight anthems in two volumes for the Coronation of King George III on the 22 September 1761. The originals are in score and in Boyce�s own hand, and reside at the Bodleian Library in Oxford. The inscription again in Boyce�s hand is �First Anthem. On the Queen�s Entrance in the West door of the Abbey�. The choristers of Westminster Abbey probably sang the anthem a cappella, as there is no record as to whether the organ was used.

All dynamics, phrasing, and tempi markings in this arrangement are wholly editorial.