Ten Voluntaries for the Organ or Harpsichord - Stanley, John 1712-1786 (London Harrison & Co)
Charles John Stanley (1712-1786) was an English composer, violinist and organist. He had an accident when he was 2, which left him almost blind. Despite that, Stanley had a remarkable memory, which helped him direct many of Handel's oratorios and to enjoy music-making and card games with friends. If he had to accompany a new oratorio he would ask his sister-in-law to play it through just once – enough to commit it to memory. He frequently played the organ at the Vauxhall Gardens and was first choice to play at charity events and at the launch of any newly built church organs. He even found time to teach. His oratorio Jephthah was first performed in 1757.
Exists in various modern editions; every opus nr. contains 10 voluntaries
See also 03J49
Bound in with Händel's 'Six Fugues or Voluntary's'
Originally published in 1748 (opus 5), 1752 (opus 6) & 1754 (opus 7)
Keywords: 18th Century (1701-1800); Voluntary; Organ; Harpsichord; London (United Kingdom)