W. H. ANDERSON

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William Henry Anderson was born on 21st April, 1882 in London; and died April 12, 1955 in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

He studied voice and composition with private teachers before winning two scholarships to attend the Guildhall School of Music, London. He studied voice in Italy with Garcia and Battistini and was later tenor soloist in London at St. Stephen’s Walbrooke Church and St. Paul’s Cathedral. He was a prolific composer of songs, carols and anthems. These were published in Canada, the USA, Great Britain and Australia, and have been performed all over the world. He also composed under the pseudonym of Hugh Garland.

Cypress has over 90 of Anderson's compositions! - check the Leslie list (click the button on the right)

Cypress is in process of reformatting all of Anderson’s songs – eventually.
Order a selection – and we will quickly set it to high standards for you!

LESLIE CATALOGUE

Come, I Pray Thee

by W.H. Anderson

LMS 137 – SATB a cappella – duration 2:15

Come, I pray Thee, Thou sweet and true joy.

Enter a soul that longs for Thee.

Enflame with Thy divine fire all my heart.

Enlighten my inmost parts with Thee radiant light.

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Margery Maketh the Tea

by W.H. Anderson

LMS 477 – UNISON or SOLO with piano – duration 2:35
“Margery Make the Tea,” by beloved Canadian composer W H Anderson, has for many years been a staple for unison choirs and school classroom choirs as well as a vocal solo for RCM exams, concerts and music festivals. This delightful song with text by Wilfred Campbell is often referred to as a Canadian folksong. The descriptive text, with it’s vivid imagery, allows the young singer to explore word painting and storytelling. This lovely song is listed in the current 2025 RCM syllabus Level 2.

The doors are shut, the windows fast;
Outside the gust is driving past,
Outside the shivering ivy clings,
While on the hob the kettle sings.
Margery, Margery, make the tea,
Singeth the kettle merrily.

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TO A GIRL ON HER BIRTHDAY

by W.H. Anderson

LMS 804 – UNISON with piano – duration 2:10

May your every hour be a poem rare
Woven out of courage
And loveliness and light
I would have your days
As the radiant glow in the western sky
Between day and night.

Blanche Pownall Garrett

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