verse anthem

A verse anthem is a type of anthem used in the English Church that features solo vocal parts or passages for soloists. This contrasts with a "full anthem," which is written for choir alone.12

The verse anthem emerged in the mid-16th century within the Anglican Church as a musical form similar to the Roman Catholic motet. The inclusion of soloists in verse anthems encouraged the use of instrumental accompaniment, initially by the organ and later by instrumental groups. While the full anthem became more common after 1660, solo passages in verse anthems were still used for special effects. Notable composers of anthems include Thomas Tomkins, Henry Purcell, and George Frideric Handel.2