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John Reading

Five Anthems for Solo Voice
(A Book of New Anthems, c.1715

High voice, and organ or harpsichord

edited by Martin Perkins
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Leaflet Music example Anthem 1 (pdf)
Leaflet Music example Anthem 2 (pdf)
Leaflet Music example Anthem 3 (pdf)
Leaflet Music example Anthem 4 (pdf)
Leaflet Music example Anthem 5 (pdf)


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).

Reading
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Leaflet Descriptive leaflet (pdf)


Five Anthems for Solo Voice
hh634.fsc  · ISMN 979 0 708213 48 2 · ISBN 978-1-914137-88-4 
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