William Hayes, English organist, composer, and conductor (d. 1777)
William Hayes (baptised 26 January 1708 – 27 July 1777) was a prominent and highly versatile English musician of the 18th century, celebrated for his multifaceted talents as a composer, organist, singer, and conductor. His extensive career, deeply rooted in the academic and ecclesiastical life of Oxford, solidified his reputation as a significant figure in English music during the Georgian era, contributing significantly to both performance and musicological discourse.
Early Life and Career Trajectory
Born in Great Budworth, Cheshire, William Hayes's early life saw him develop a strong musical foundation. His talents quickly became evident, leading him to secure influential positions within the thriving musical landscape of 18th-century England. He first served as organist at St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury, before moving to Worcester Cathedral, further honing his skills and building his professional standing in collegiate and cathedral music.
A Cornerstone of Oxford Music
Hayes's career reached its zenith in Oxford, where he became an indispensable part of the university's musical fabric. In 1734, he was appointed Organist of Magdalen College, a prestigious role he held with distinction for over four decades until his death. His contributions extended beyond performance; in 1741, he was elevated to the esteemed position of Professor of Music at Oxford University, succeeding Richard Goodson Jr. This appointment placed him at the heart of academic musical discourse, allowing him to shape the next generation of musicians, oversee musical degrees, and contribute significantly to music theory and criticism of his time.
Key Contributions and Musical Output
As a composer, William Hayes left behind a substantial and varied body of work, demonstrating his mastery across both sacred and secular genres. His compositions are characterized by their elegance, craftsmanship, and adherence to the stylistic conventions of the Baroque and early Classical periods. Among his notable works are:
- Sacred Music: He is particularly renowned for his anthems, which were widely performed in collegiate chapels and cathedrals across England. His sacred output also includes the oratorio The Fall of Jericho, a testament to his ambition in larger-scale dramatic works, though it saw limited performance.
- Secular Vocal Works: Hayes composed numerous odes, glees, catches, and canzonets, which were popular forms of social music during his time. These pieces often showcased his wit and lyrical sensibility, designed for both public and private consumption. His well-regarded ode, The Passions (1750), inspired by an ode by William Collins, stands out as a significant example of his sophisticated vocal writing.
- Instrumental Music: While perhaps less prolific in purely instrumental works compared to his vocal compositions, he also contributed to this genre, including concertos and sonatas, further showcasing his comprehensive musical abilities.
Beyond composition, Hayes was also a keen musicologist and critic. His most celebrated literary work, Remarks on Mr. Avison's Essay on Musical Expression (1753), is a pivotal piece of 18th-century music criticism. In this treatise, Hayes thoughtfully challenged Charles Avison's controversial views on musical aesthetics, particularly Avison's critique of George Frideric Handel's compositional style, defending Handel's genius and contributing significantly to the intellectual discourse surrounding music of his era. This demonstrated his intellectual prowess and commitment to the art form beyond performance and composition.
Legacy and Influence
William Hayes's enduring legacy is multifaceted. He not only enriched the musical life of Oxford through his teaching and performances but also contributed significantly to the compositional repertoire of the era, helping to define the sound of English music in the mid-18th century. His administrative acumen as Professor of Music helped to strengthen the university's music program, ensuring a robust environment for musical education and development. Furthermore, his son, Philip Hayes (1738–1797), also became a notable composer and organist, continuing the family's distinguished musical tradition and inheriting his father's Professorship at Oxford, further cementing the Hayes name in English musical history.
Frequently Asked Questions about William Hayes
- Who was William Hayes?
- William Hayes was a prominent English musician of the 18th century, known for his diverse talents as a composer, organist, singer, and conductor, and for his influential academic roles at Oxford University.
- What were William Hayes's primary musical roles and affiliations?
- Hayes held multiple important roles, including Organist of Magdalen College, Oxford (from 1734), and Professor of Music at Oxford University (from 1741 until his death). He was also an active composer, singer, and conductor within England's vibrant musical scene.
- What are some of William Hayes's most notable works?
- His most notable works include a substantial collection of anthems, the oratorio The Fall of Jericho, and the ode The Passions. He is also highly recognized for his important critical work, Remarks on Mr. Avison's Essay on Musical Expression (1753), which contributed significantly to 18th-century music criticism.
- What was William Hayes's connection to Oxford University?
- William Hayes was deeply connected to Oxford University throughout his career. He served as the Organist of Magdalen College for over 40 years and held the esteemed position of Professor of Music from 1741 until his death in 1777, making him a central and highly influential figure in the university's musical life and education.