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Readings A Book of New Anthems Containing a Hundred Plated fairly Engraven with a Thorough Bass figured for the Organ or Harpsichord was published by subscription in 1715. In the preface to the collection, Reading gives his reasoning for publishing the music, explaining ‘’Tis a very hard, tho usual Case, that when A Person has with great Labour and Study Completed A Work of this Nature, Others should Pirate upon him and run away with its Profit’.
The keyboard part is intended for an organ with a low GG compass (typical of English instruments of the period without pedalboard). This range, as well as the non-chordal left-hand part, also makes it suitable for the harpsichord. There are no dynamic markings in the music. Indications of ‘Ritornel[lo]’ and ‘Verse’ suggest registration changes, according to the chosen instrument. The only other performance direction – ‘Great Organ’ – suggests that Reading expected a two-manual instrument. Ornament symbols are typical of the time and consistent with those appearing in various ‘Rules for Graces’ in contemporary publications such as The Harpsichord Master (London, 1697).
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Full score
Music example Anthem 1 (pdf)
