Musical contribution - March 2019

Voluntary in G - William Walond Sr. (1719-1768) (LiVE sample set: Liverpool, H. Willis & Sons).

For the third time in the history of the Musical Contribution, we’re highlighting an 18th century English composer who made great use of the Voluntary. In August 2014 we highlighted Henry Heron and in October 2015 William Boyce. If you read the articles accompanying these two issues of the Musical Contribution, you’ll find out all about the use of this typically English composition.

Little is known about William Walond Sr. He was father to William Jr. and was an organist in Oxford. Even the span of his lifetime is still not known for certain. For example, some sources state that he lived from 1725-1770. However, we will stick to the dates mentioned above.

The allegro is originally a two-part one, which is the reason I play the first bars that way. From bar 58 (the reprise), I also have the left hand play along. This was added many years later by an arranger who thought that the chords would fit in nicely here. The choice is yours.

Whether you end up opting for the original version or for the addition, the music conveys a kind of spring feeling either way.

I hope you will enjoy playing this music as much as I do!

Warm regards,

André van Vliet