John Weldon (1676-1736) was 'Composer to the Chapel Royal' from 1708/9 until his death. As such he was a highly regarded member of an elite musical institution in early eighteenth-century England. Over the coming months, Music 18 will be publishing his complete sacred music, including (for the first time) his verse anthems, the emergence of which has forced a re-evaluation of the composer's output as a whole.
Who can tell how oft he offendeth
A Full-with-verses anthem. Imitative outer sections frame a chordal verse section. The first section is grand in outlook; the mid-section is charmingly melodic and derives its harmonic interest from genuine harmonic structure and modulation rather than mere splashes of colour. The final section is a magnificent working out of various points of imitation with a real Handelian flavour.
£4.50
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Rejoice in the Lord
A spectacular verse anthem, composed for the Thanksgiving service on 17 February 1708/9. An ebullient opening trio movement is followed by a distinctive ground bass in the relative minor. A further duet and trio are succeeded by a virtuosic bass solo. The anthem is brought to a close with an imitative five-part chorus.
This edition is given with organ part only - sufficient for successful performance; cello and lute material available on request.
Minimum order: 15 copies
£5.00
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O be joyful
An elaborate and extensive verse anthem, setting psalm 66. The sheer exuberance of the opening section is sparked by the infectiously enthusiastic and highly florid initial organ 'Prelude'. There are extensive lower voice trios and contratenor (alto) solos.
This edition is given with organ part only - sufficient for successful performance; cello and lute material available on request.
Minimum order: 15 copies
£7.00
Click here to view a pdf sample.
Ponder my Words
A verse anthem, written between 1708 and 1712. An contemplative opening duet gives way to more confident solo verses for contratenor (best taken by a high tenor) and bass.
This edition is given with organ part only - sufficient for successful performance; cello and lute material available on request.
£5.00
Click here to view a pdf sample.
O Lord, rebuke me not (Chapel Royal version)
A beautiful solo anthem for tenor or treble/soprano, with short interspersed choruses. This was one of Weldon's most popular anthems during his lifetime and a seperate version was printed in Divine Harmony (1716). It remained in the repertoire of many cathedrals and collegiate choirs for the remainder of the eighteenth century.
This edition is given with organ part only - sufficient for successful performance; cello and lute material available on request.
Listen to an excerpt:
£3.50
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Four Solo Anthems
- O Lord, rebuke me not (Divine Harmony version)
- Blessed be the Lord my strength
- O praise the Lord of heaven
- O how pleasant are thy dwellings
Four Solo Anthems, suitable for Tenor or Treble/Soprano. There are very brief choruses concluding each one - these could be omitted or readily adapted. All four choruses are printed together on the final page of the publication. Permission is given to photocopy this page.
All four anthems in this collection were written before 1702 while Weldon was Organist at New College. They were also sung by the famous tenor Richard Elford.
Listen to an excerpt from Blessed be the Lord my strength:
Listen to an excerpt from O praise the Lord of heaven:
Listen to an excerpt from O how pleasant are thy dwellings:
£10.00
Click here to view a pdf sample.