William Boyce

Born in September, 1711 (exact date is not known) in London, England

Died February 7, 1779

Nationality: English

Period/Style: Baroque

About the composer:

William Boyce is one of the most important English-born composers of the 18^th Century.  He began his musical education as a choirboy at St. Paul’s Cathedral and later took organ lessons.  He got his first job as an organist in 1734 and had many other jobs after that.  Boyce wrote choral music, music for the theatre, and some chamber music.  He wrote a set of eight symphonies which became his most popular works, and still are to this day. 

About the music:

Symphonies (7-10 min)

Each of these symphonies is short – no more than ten minutes in length.  Each is in three movements, written in the Baroque style of fast-slow-fast.  You’ll hear mostly strings, some woodwinds, and occasionally brass instruments.

Suggested activities:

Find out when St. Paul’s Cathedral was built, and who designed it.

Discover some events that were happening in America during Boyce’s lifetime.