James Nares

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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.

[edit] 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