The John Reading Manuscripts of Dulwich College

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Bonci’s performances are slick and polished, making full use of the colourful and varied disposition of George England’s 1760 organ. — Early Music Today

Release Date: 8th Jul 2013
Catalogue No: 94454
Label: Brilliant Classics
Length: 67 minutes

Blow: Voluntary for Full Organ

Work length1:36

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

James, John: A Voluntary

Work length5:00

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Greene, M: 12 Voluntarys

Work length3:53

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Voluntary No. 2 in F Major

Track length3:53

$1.00

$1.30

Stanley, J: Trumpet Voluntary

Work length7:11

$2.00

$2.60

Riccardo Bonci

A Voluntary for the Trumpet Stop

Track length7:11

$2.00

$2.60

Mr. Seedo,: Voluntary No. 2 in A Minor

Work length3:13

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

James, John: A Voluntary for Full Swell, Cornet and Flute

Work length5:09

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Voluntary for Full Swell, Cornet and Flute

Track length5:09

$1.00

$1.30

Reading: A Trumpet Air No. 1

Work length1:41

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Greene, M: 12 Voluntarys

Work length2:38

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Voluntary No. 1 in G Major

Track length2:38

$1.00

$1.30

Reading: Double Voluntary

Work length4:18

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

A Double Voluntary

Track length4:18

$1.00

$1.30

Croft: A Voluntary

Work length2:48

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

James, John: A Voluntary for the Full Swell and Cornet

Work length2:47

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Reading: A Trumpet Air No. 2

Work length3:17

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Stanley, J: A Voluntary

Work length5:23

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Barrett, J: Voluntary No. 1 in D Minor

Work length4:47

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Mr. Seedo,: Voluntary No. 1 in D Minor

Work length6:17

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Reading: Air for French Horns and Flute

Work length3:34

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

Blow: A Double Voluntary

Work length3:29

$1.00

$1.30

Riccardo Bonci

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About

A noted organist, composer and teacher in his day, John Reading (born in 1685/6) was obviously something of a networker, acquiring many contacts during his spell as a chorister in the Chapel Royal and thereafter becoming friends with some of the most prominent London musicians of the 18th century. The impresario drew on his professional connections to compile what is now considered one of the most important collections of English organ music from around that period: The John Reading Manuscripts. Still housed in the beautiful surroundings of Dulwich College Library, these volumes elucidate a fascinating period of stylistic transition with regard to organ writing in mid‐18th‐century England.

John Blow, John James, Maurice Greene, Mr Seedo, John Stanley, John Barrett and John Reading himself: these are among the names featured in the collection and which make up this engaging release. The disc explores the inherent musical possibilities of the voluntary, a improvisatory piece which performed an established role as part of the church service, such as the ‘double voluntary’ and the ‘1st’ or ‘2nd’ voluntary. Two trumpet airs by Reading are included, works which were probably originally written for the harpsichord because of the high register of their solo parts, and the manuscripts also draw attention the two distinct styles of organ composition then in vogue: the old contrapuntal style of the early Baroque, with its elaborate ornamentation, and the new, lighter textures of the early 18th century – a reflection of the new arrival of Italian opera and the rococo style.

Performing these works with aplomb and drawing full attention to the different national styles contained therein is distinguished Italian organist Riccardo Bonci. The recording was, rather fittingly, made on the Dulwich College premises: Bonci plays the 1760 George England organ in Christ’s Chapel of God’s Gift.

Reviews

Early Music Today

Bonci’s performances are slick and polished, making full use of the colourful and varied disposition of George England’s 1760 organ.

The John Reading Manuscripts of Dulwich College

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