WILLIAM SPARK

William Spark (1823-1897) was born in Exeter, England. He was a chorister at Exeter Cathedral and appointed deputy organist to Samuel Sebastian Wesley at Leeds Parish church. He became organist and choirmaster at Chapeltown Church and held positions at Tiverton, Daventry, and St. George’s Church. For nearly forty years, he served as Leeds City Organist and, in conjunction with Henry Smart, designed the Town Hall’s grand organ. He founded the Leeds Madrigal and Motet Society, the Leeds Recreation Society, the People’s Concerts, and other organizations. He was editor for The Organists’ Quarterly Journal. His works and writings were very influential bringing one journal to suggest him peer to Handel. He died in Leeds. His compositions include an oratorio, cantatas, anthems, many works for organ, piano pieces, songs, glees, and part-songs.

All are mixed chorus; some contain divisi.

SET	TITLE	VOICING	TEXT	LISTEN
	English Beauty		John Hughes	LISTEN X Stop audio before closing
	Merrily every bosom boundeth		Thomas Moore	LISTEN X Stop audio before closing
	We may laugh and we may sing		Joseph Henry Eccles	LISTEN X Stop audio before closing