GLORIOUS APOLLO. English, Air (whole time). C Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). AABB. "Glorious Apollo" is a glee composed in 1787 by English autodidact and composer Samuel_Webbe (1740-1816), his most famous piece of that genre. In 1776 Webbe succeeded George Paxton as organist of the Sardinian Embassy Chapel, a position which he held until 1795: he was also organist and choirmaster of chapel of the Portuguese Embassy in Lincoln's Inn Fields, the only place in London where the Catholic liturgy could be publicly celebrated. He published nine books of glees and wrote one opera, in addition to his church music.
The words to "Glorious Apollo" go:
Samuel Webbe (1740-1816)
Glorious Apollo from on high beheld us Wand'ring to find a temple for his praise; Sent Polyhymnia hither to shield us While we ourselves such a structure might raise. Thus then combining, hearts and hands joining, Sing we in harmony Apollo's praise.
Here every gen'rous sentiment awaking, Music inspiring unity and joy. Each social pleasure, giving and partaking, Glee and good humour our hours employ. Thus then combining, hearts and hands joining, Sing we in harmony Apollo's praise.
Additional notes
Printed sources : - James Hyde (New and Complete Preceptor for the Royal Kent or Keyed Bugle), c. 1818; p. 28. Edward Riley (Riley's Flute Melodies, vol. 2), New York, 1817; No. 31, p. 8.
