James Nares

James Nares (19 April 1715 - 10 February 1783) was an English composer of mostly sacred vocal works, though he also composed for the harpsichord and organ. He began his career as Deputy Organist of St. George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle, and was later appointed Organist of York Minster in 1735.

In 1756, he became organist and composer to George III at the Chapel Royal. It is believed that Nares was the first person to systematically publish a series of keyboard lessons for students of the piano.

He was the father of Revd Robert Nares (1753-1829), the philologist and author.

Compositions

*"The Souls of the Righteous", 1734
*"Set of eight harpsichord lessons", 1747
*"Five harpsichord lessons", Op 2, 1759
*"Six Fugues for organ", 1772
*"Three easy harpsichord lessons", 1778
*"A Treatise on Singing", 1778
*"Il Principio", or "A regular Introduction to playing on the Harpsichord or Organ", 1778
*"The Royal Pastoral", 1778
*"Collection of Catches, Canons and Glees", 1778
*"Six organ fugues", 1778
*"Second Treatise on Singing, with a set of English duets", 1778
*"Twenty Anthems", 1778
*"A Morning and Evening Service and Six Anthems", 1788

External links

* [http://www.nares.net/james_nares_1715.htm James Nares] at the Nares genealogy project