MS Mus. 136

MS Mus. 136. THOMAS TUDWAY AND OTHERS: verse anthems and services; early 18th cent. Copies of full scores, in ink, in the same neat hand throughout. Ownership inscriptions of ‘John Bennet Dec: 26th 1735’ and ‘John C. Jackson 1850’ on f. 1. f. 1v is ‘A Table of the Anthems [and Services] contain’d in this Book’, and f. 35 is a separate title page for the section containing Tudway’s music composed for Lord Harley, reading ‘The Score of Te Deum et Jubilate For the Solemnity & Consecration of the Right Honourable Edward Earl of Oxfords Chappel at Wimpole, Augst. the 31st Anno Dom: 1721. Composd with Instrumental Music By Tho: Tudway D:M: And Master of Music in his Lordships Chappel Together wth. ye Ev’ning Service of Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis, and likewise Anthems Suited, to ye Solemn Occation.’ The autograph score of this music, Add. 36268, which corresponds exactly with ff. 36-126 of the present manuscript, includes a note by the Earl of Hardwicke recording that ‘the Chapel at Wimpole never was consecrated, but probably this Music was compos’d in order to such a Solemnity’ (f. 2v). In addition, Harley 7343 is an autograph manuscript of the words for the same pieces for the consecration at Wimpole, in a copy presented to Lord Harley. Purchased from William Reeves, Ltd. (special list 316, no. 1489), 4 Oct. 1996.

ff. i + 144. 318 x 201mm. Contemporary full leather binding with blocked title ‘Anthems’.

Contents (by Thomas Tudway unless stated otherwise):—

1. ff. 3-9. ‘An Anthem of Thanksgiving’, beginning ‘Give ye Lord the honour due unto his name’ (words from Psalms 29, 111 and 118). For soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus and organ. An anthem of thanksgiving for the peace. The autograph score is Harley 7342, ff. 83-8.

2. ff. 9v-15v. ‘An Anthem Thou O Lord [hast heard our desire]’ (words from Psalms 61, 72 and 132). For alto, tenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus and organ. Sung before Queen Anne in King’s College Chapel, Cambridge, 1705. Autograph scores are Harley 7341, ff. 62v-6v and Royal College of Music MS 1032.

3. ff. 16-22. ‘An Anthem Behold how good [and joyfull]’ (words from Psalms 133, 122 and 68). For alto, tenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus and organ. Composed in commemoration of the Act of Union, 1707. The autograph score is Harley 7342, ff. 64v-8v.

4. ff. 22v-31. ‘An Anthem Ecclesiasticus Chap: 39’, beginning ‘Hearken unto me, ye holy Children’. For alto, tenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus and organ. Another copy in King’s College, Cambridge, MS 108 is dedicated to the Provost and Fellows of King’s College on the occasion of the laying of the foundation stone of the Gibbs building, 1724.

5. ff. 31v-4. John Bennet: ‘Anthem Psalm the 100’, beginning ‘O be joyfull in the Lord all ye Lands’. For bass solo, four-part chorus and organ.

6. ff. 36-87v. ‘Te Deum’ (ff. 36-73) and ‘Jubilate’ (ff. 73v-87v) in B flat major. For soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus, 2 trumpets or oboes, 2 violins, tenor viol and organ. For the consecration of the chapel at Wimpole.

7. ff. 88-9. ‘The Commandments’. For four-part chorus, 2 oboes, 2 violins, tenor viol and organ. A note on f. 89 reads ‘The Credo Omitted’. For the consecration of the chapel at Wimpole.

8. ff. 89v-94. ‘O how Amiable. 1st Anthem’ (words from Psalm 84). For alto, tenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus and organ. For the consecration of the chapel at Wimpole.

9. ff. 94v-8. ‘Is it true that God will dwell wth. men. 2nd Anthem’ (words from II Chronicles 6). For alto, tenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus and organ. Sung before Queen Anne at the opening of the Chapel at Windsor, 1702, and subsequently intended for the consecration of the chapel at Wimpole. In addition to Add. 36268 (see above), an autograph score is Harley 7341, ff. 35-9.

10. ff. 98v-105v. ‘Magnificat’ (ff. 98v-103) and ‘Nunc Dimittis’ (ff. 103v-5v) in B flat major. For alto, tenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus and organ. For the consecration of the chapel at Wimpole.

11. ff. 106-25v. ‘My heart rejoyceth in ye Lord, An Anthem of Thanksgiving on ye peace’ (words from I Samuel 2 and Psalms 18, 46, 122 and 29). For soprano, alto, tenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus, oboe (optional), viol consort and organ. Written on the occasion of the Treaty of Utrecht, 1713, and subsequently intended for the consecration of the chapel at Wimpole. In addition to Add. 36268 (see above), an autograph score is Harley 7342, ff. 48-64.

12. f. 126. ‘The Psalm Tunes to be us’d at Morning & Ev’ning Pray’r on the Solemnity & Consecration of ye Right Honble. ye Lord Harlys Chappel at Wimpole’. For four-part choir.

13. ff. 126v-30. Maurice Greene: ‘Acquaint thy self with God’ (words from Job 22). For alto solo, four-part chorus and organ. Only the soprano part of the chorus section is written out. Published in Forty Select Anthems (J. Walsh, [1743]).

14. ff. 130v-4. Thomas Bennet: ‘The Lord is my Light’ (words from Psalm 27). For bass solo, four-part chorus and organ. A note on f. 134 reads ‘By the late Mr. Thomas Bennet. Organist of Great St. Mary’s Church in Cambridge And died ye 11th. Sep: 1735 in the 28th. Year of his Age.’

15. ff. 134v-8. Greene: ‘Hear O Lord [& consider my complaint]’ (words from Psalm 61). For bass solo, four-part chorus and organ. Published in Forty Select Anthems (J. Walsh, [1743]).

16. ff. 138v-44. Greene: ‘O God thou art my God, Psalm 63th. Verse 1st.’ For countertenor and bass soloists, four-part chorus and organ. Published in Forty Select Anthems (J. Walsh, [1743]).