Stanley: Voluntaries Op. 5-7

Delle Chiaie, Pietro

97230

John Stanley (1712–1786) was a prominent English composer, organist, and violinist of the 18th century. Blinded in an accident at the age of two, Stanley displayed prodigious musical talent from an early age. He studied under Maurice Greene and, by age 17, was appointed organist at All Hallows, Bread Street. He later held prestigious posts at the Temple Church and the Chapel Royal, where he succeeded William Boyce as Master of the King’s Band of Musicians.

Among Stanley’s most celebrated works are his three volumes of Organ Voluntaries, Op.5 through Op.7, published between 1748 and 1754. These voluntaries reflect both the elegance of the late Baroque style and a growing Classical influence. They were designed for performance during Anglican church services, typically as preludes, interludes, or postludes. The voluntaries are structured in multiple short movements and frequently feature contrasting textures, such as lyrical slow introductions followed by lively fugues or trumpet tunes. Stanley made imaginative use of the organ’s stop combinations, often specifying solos for trumpet, cornet, or flute stops, adding variety and color.

Played by Pietro Delle Chiaie at the Inzoli-Bonizzi organ of the St. Michael Archangel Church, Rocca Massima, Italy. He made a successful recording of the complete organ music by Carl Czerny for Brilliant Classics.

CD x 2

Brilliant Classics

1.09.2025

5028421972305