Preces, festal Psalms, and verse anthems

Author / Creator

Smith, William, 1603-1645 composer

Available as

Online

Summary

"These works by William Smith (1603-45) demonstrate how a church musician and priest working in Durham Cathedral--in the north of England--tackled the problems posed by the gradual change from the ...

"These works by William Smith (1603-45) demonstrate how a church musician and priest working in Durham Cathedral--in the north of England--tackled the problems posed by the gradual change from the polyphonic tradition to that of the early baroque. The rise in the 1620s of the High Church party, who wished to reform many aspects of the liturgy of Durham Cathedral, spurred William Smith and his colleagues to write quite elaborate and colorful music for the cathedral services, music that combined elements of the older and newer styles and set texts not previously given musical treatment. William Smith, although more conservative than some of his London-based contemporaries, such as Walter Porter, Simon Ives, and Henry and William Lawes, wrote in an attractively melodious manner, using expressive harmonies and rich, colorful part writing. His music is tastefully conceived and suitable for performance in both church and concert hall." --Provided by publisher.

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