# William Boyce

> English composer and organist (1711-1779)

**Wikidata**: [Q313152](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313152)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Boyce_(composer))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-boyce

## Summary
William Boyce was an English composer and organist active during the 18th century. He is best known for his church music, symphonies, and odes, including works like "Heart of Oak" and his collection "Cathedral Music."

## Biography
- Born: September 11, 1711
- Nationality: English
- Education: Educated at St Paul's Cathedral (choirboy)
- Known for: English Baroque composer, organist, and collector of church music
- Employer(s): Chapel Royal, St Michael's Cornhill, St Paul's Cathedral
- Field(s): Classical music composition, church music, organ performance

## Contributions
William Boyce composed extensively in various musical forms including symphonies, odes, and church music. His major works include the collection "Cathedral Music" (published 1760-1773), which preserved important English church music from earlier periods. He composed the music for the patriotic song "Heart of Oak" in 1759. As Master of the King's Musick from 1755 until his death, he composed numerous court odes and ceremonial music. His symphonies, particularly those in eight parts, were influential in the development of the English symphony tradition.

## FAQs
What type of music did William Boyce compose?
Boyce composed in multiple genres including church music, symphonies, odes, and secular vocal works. He was particularly known for his cathedral music and court compositions.

What is William Boyce's most famous work?
His most famous work is likely the music for "Heart of Oak," the official march of the Royal Navy, composed in 1759. His collection "Cathedral Music" is also highly significant.

What position did William Boyce hold at the Chapel Royal?
Boyce was appointed Master of the King's Musick in 1755, a prestigious position where he composed music for royal occasions and ceremonies.

## Why They Matter
William Boyce played a crucial role in preserving and advancing English church music during the 18th century. His collection "Cathedral Music" saved numerous important works from earlier periods that might otherwise have been lost. As Master of the King's Musick, he helped maintain the tradition of court music composition. His symphonies contributed to the development of the genre in England, and his church music continues to be performed in cathedrals today. Boyce bridged the gap between the English Baroque tradition and the emerging Classical style.

## Notable For
- Master of the King's Musick (1755-1779)
- Composer of "Heart of Oak," the Royal Navy's official march
- Compiler of "Cathedral Music" (1760-1773), preserving English church music
- One of the last major English Baroque composers
- Organist of several prominent London churches including St Paul's Cathedral
- Significant contributor to the development of the English symphony

## Body
### Early Life and Education
William Boyce was born on September 11, 1711, in London. He received his early musical education as a choirboy at St Paul's Cathedral, where he studied under Charles King. This cathedral training provided him with a solid foundation in church music and vocal performance that would influence his entire career.

### Professional Career
Boyce's professional career began with appointments as organist at several London churches. He served as organist at Oxford Chapel (later known as St Peter's Vere Street) before moving to St Michael's Cornhill in 1734, a position he held for many years. In 1736, he became one of the organists at the Chapel Royal, and in 1758 he succeeded William Croft as organist of St Paul's Cathedral.

### Court Appointments
In 1755, Boyce was appointed Master of the King's Musick, a position that made him responsible for composing music for royal occasions. This prestigious appointment reflected his standing as one of England's leading composers. He composed numerous birthday odes, New Year odes, and other ceremonial works for the royal court during his tenure.

### Major Works
Boyce's compositional output was diverse and substantial. His symphonies, particularly those in eight parts, were influential in establishing the English symphony tradition. He composed numerous odes for various occasions, including his famous "Heart of Oak" in 1759, written for Garrick's pantomime "Harlequin's Invasion." His church music includes many anthems, services, and other sacred works that remain in the Anglican cathedral repertoire.

### Cathedral Music Collection
Perhaps Boyce's most significant contribution to music history was his compilation of "Cathedral Music," published in three volumes between 1760 and 1773. This collection preserved important English church music from the 16th and 17th centuries by composers such as Tallis, Byrd, Gibbons, and Purcell. Without Boyce's efforts, much of this repertoire might have been lost, making his work invaluable for the preservation of England's musical heritage.

### Later Years and Legacy
Boyce's later years were marked by increasing deafness, which eventually forced him to retire from active performance. He died on February 7, 1779, in London. His legacy includes not only his own compositions but also his crucial role in preserving earlier English music. His works continue to be performed in cathedrals and concert halls, and his "Cathedral Music" remains an important reference for scholars and performers of early English church music.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
3. Find a Grave
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. MusicBrainz
6. Virtual International Authority File
7. CiNii Research
8. IMDb
9. Doctor of Music
10. Source
11. SNAC
12. International Music Score Library Project
13. Discogs
14. Musicalics
15. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
16. CONOR.SI
17. CERL Thesaurus
18. LIBRIS. 2012
19. HMML Authority File