Maurice Greene (1696 – 1755) was an eminent English composer and organist of the Baroque period, whose life and work significantly contributed to the English music scene of the 18th century. Born in London, Greene became a choirboy of St. Paul's Cathedral and later studied under Jeremiah Clarke and Charles King. His career flourished as he proceeded to have various prominent roles including being appointed as the organist of St. Paul's Cathedral, Master of the King's Musick, and professor of music at Cambridge. Greene's extensive oeuvre, which predominantly focuses on vocal and choral compositions, reflects an exquisite mastery of counterpoint and a deep understanding of the English choral tradition.
Throughout his career, Greene composed a wealth of sacred music that includes anthems, motets, and settings of psalms. The releases "Antologia Di Musica Sacra, Vol. 2," "English Choral Music. Motets and Anthems from Byrd to Elgar," and "Maurice Greene, Select Anthems" showcase the depth of his religious compositions, which remained highly esteemed by his contemporaries and continue to enchant listeners today. His secular compositions, such as the collection "Greene: Spenser's Amoretti," reveal his ability to set poetic texts to music with sensitivity and expressive clarity. Indicative of his versatility, "Greene: Overtures" exemplifies his forays into instrumental music, featuring the characteristic forms and stylings of the Baroque period. Greene's legacy is particularly notable for the influence he had on his pupils, such as William Boyce, and the shaping of English music in a period bridging the Baroque and Classical eras.
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