William Selby

Born in England and baptised in London on 1 January 1739, Selby was the third known son of Joseph and Mary Selby.[4]^: 12 Beginning at the age of 17, he held several positions in London as organist including at St Sepulchre-without-Newgate (1760-1770) and also at the now demolished All Hallows, Bread Street (1756-73).[5][6] He was also organist to the Magdalen Hospital (1766–9).[7] Selby published both sacred and secular music between 1665 and 1670, most notably the nine psalm and hymn settings included in A Second Collection of Psalms and Hymns Used at the Magdalen Chapel (c 1770), which also included works by Thomas Arne.[3] His hunting song The Chace of the Hare was often reprinted.[7]

Selby emigrated to Boston, Massachusetts in October 1773 at the age of 35.[4] (He was following in the footsteps of his brother John, also an organist, who emigrated in 1771).[7] In 1774, Selby became the organist at Trinity Church in Newport, Rhode Island. Three years later, Selby became organist at King's Chapel in Boston where he organized the first colonial music festival.[8]

Selby's surviving works include two voluntaries and one Fugue for the organ, a lesson in C for the harpsichord, and an anthem for Thanksgiving Day. His Boston compositions included a Jubilate and three anthems, including Behold, he is my salvation, composed for the rededication of Old South Church, Boston.[7] The patriotic choral ode To Columbia’s Favourite Son, was performed at the Stone Chapel in 1786, in the presence of President Washington.[7]

Over his career he published nine psalms and hymns for solo voice, eight choral works (both religious and secular), six songs, nine solo pieces for guitar and three for keyboard.[9] In addition to his musical endeavors, he managed a grocery and liquor shop.[10]