English composer and organist John Reading (c.1685–1764) published A Book of new Anthems Containing a Hundred Plates fairly Engraven with a Thorough Bass figur’d for the Organ or Harpsichord in c.1715. The title-page states that the collection was available ‘By Subscription’ only, and in the prefatory Advertisement the composer explains why: ‘‘Tis a very hard, tho usual Case, that when A Person has with great Labour and Study Compleated A Work of this Nature, Others should Pirate upon him and run away with its Profit’; he was thereby ensuring that the public would be spared ’Spurious and Incorrect Copies’ and that he himself would receive his just rewards.

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).

 Music example Anthem 1 (pdf)
 Music example Anthem 2 (pdf)
 Music example Anthem 3 (pdf)
 Music example Anthem 4 (pdf)
 Music example Anthem 5 (pdf)