Hayes, William (1708–1777)

English organist and composer. He was organist at Worcester Cathedral from 1731 and organist and master of the choristers at Magdalen College, Oxford, from 1734; he was appointed professor in 1742. He introduced many of Handel's works to Oxford, Bath, and Winchester; his own works were indebted to Handel.

He was the father of Phillip Hayes.

Works Sacred oratorios The Fall of Jericho and David (about 1776), 16 psalms, Te Deum in D, 20 anthems.

Masques Circe (1742) and Peleus and Thetis.

Odes When the Fair Consort (1735), Where Shall the Muse (1751), O that Some Pensive Muse (Ode to the memory of Handel, about 1760), Ode on the Passions (about 1760), and Daughters of Beauty (1773).

Other six cantatas, concertos, and trios.