Author Description

John Stanley (1712-1786) was a pupil of John Reading, organist of Hackney, and of Maurice Greene. He was almost totally blinded in an accident at the age 2. In October 1723 he became organist of All Hallows, Bread Street, and in 1726 of St Andrew’s, Holborn. He took the degree of B.Mus. at Oxford in 1729. In 1734 he became one of the organists of the Temple Church while retaining his post at St Andrew’s. He secretly married Sarah Arlonds, of a wealthy Roman Catholic family, in 1738. Stanley reached the summit of his career in 1779 when he was appointed Master of the King’s Band of Musick in succession to Boyce. Stanley’s string concertos are probably the best of their kind by any native-born composer. Avison, Mudge, Humphries, and others produced some estimable music, but it is difficult to find a parallel to Stanley’s vitality and melodic wealth throughout a whole set. Had Boyce, Arne, or Greeene produced such a set, it would certainly have rivaled his; as it is, however, these concertos are inferior only to those of Händel and (perhaps) Geminiani in being comparatively short and straightforward. But within their limits there is much variety of instrumentation and expression. There is sensitive soring in some of the slow movements, but the most convincing writing is to be found in the fugal sections, with their sturdy rhythms and impeccable craftsmanship. The latter is indeed remarkable for a blind composer, even one with a constructive amanuensis: he must have been able convey his intentions with crystal clarity. It is hoped that the present edition will give these long-admired works a new lease on life amongst style-conscious performers. Contents: No. 1 in D major, No. 2 in B minor, No. 3 in G major, No. 4 in D minor, No. 5 in A minor, No. 6 in B flat major. Notes: For 4 violins, viola, and violoncello, with basso continuo; figured bass realized in solo part. Edited from the holograph in the British Library (h.2985).