The verse anthems were a major part of the English Reformation due to the use of the vernacular.
Verse anthems have been frequently transposed to suit modern English cathedral choir voices, so Record of John exists as an alto solo as well as the original tenor.
Henry Purcell composed several examples, usually for special occasions like the composition of his odes.
[3] For example, The Way of God is an Undefiled Way, apparently a Psalm setting, was to be sung by the famed bass soloist, the Reverend John Gostling, to celebrate King William III's safe and successful return from campaigning in Flanders.
The larger anthems are often referred to as symphony anthems as they include, in addition to sections for 'verse' and 'full choir', passages for string instruments and organ alone, e.g. "O sing unto the Lord" and "Rejoice in the Lord alway".