Boyce
WILLIAM, an English composer, born in London in 1710; was a chorister at St. Paul's, and was appointed composer to the Chapel Royal, in 1736, and organist in 1758. He received the degree of Doctor of Music from Cambridge in 1749, and was master of the King's band from 1755. Boyce holds a high rank as a composer of church music. His songs include "Hearts of Oak," written for one of Garrick's pantomimes. His best work is the serenata of "Solomon" (1743); his most valuable publication is a collection of the "Cathedral Music" of the two preceding centuries (3 vols., 1760). He died in Kensington, Feb. 7, 1779.