William Paxton (musician) facts for kids
William Paxton (born 1737, died 1781) was a talented English musician. He was known as a composer and a cellist. A cellist is someone who plays the cello, a large string instrument.
William Paxton created many pieces of music. He wrote several duets and solos for the cello. Duets are pieces for two instruments, and solos are for one.
Contents
What Music Did Paxton Write?
Paxton composed different types of music, often grouped by "Opus" numbers. An Opus number helps organize a composer's works.
Music for Cello
- Opus 1: Six duets for two cellos.
- Opus 4: Two solos for the cello.
- Opus 6: Twelve easy lessons for cello. These were probably great for students learning the instrument!
- Opus 8: Six solos for cello.
Music for Other Instruments
- Opus 2: Eight duets for violin and cello. This shows he wrote for more than just the cello.
- Opus 3: Six solos for violin.
William's brother, Stephen, was also a composer who wrote music for the cello.
Paxton's Award-Winning Pieces
William Paxton was recognized for his musical skills. He won awards for two special types of songs called canons. A canon is a piece where different parts play the same melody but start at different times, like a round.
- In 1779, he won a prize for his canon titled "O Lord in Thee."
- In 1780, he won another prize for "O Israel, trust in the Lord."
He also wrote a popular glee called "Breathe soft, ye winds." A glee is a type of song for three or more voices, usually without instruments. This particular glee was very well-liked for many years.
"Breathe Soft, Ye Winds" Lyrics
Here are the words to Paxton's famous glee:
Breathe soft, ye Winds; ye Waters, gently flow. Shield her, ye Trees; ye Flow'rs, around her grow. Ye Swains, I beg ye, pass in silence by. My Love in yonder Vale asleep doth lie.
