William Herschel Symphonies - $16.95

This recording is a very well-performed collection of six of Herschel's 24 symphonies. All 24 are three movement works ranging in orchestration from strings only to 'full' orchestras of oboes, horns trumpets and drums. The structural content of these works is highly organized and carefully worked out. Stylistically, Sturm and drang elements common to C.P.E. Bach are evident as well as the melodic galant. While not quite on the level of similar period Haydn, Herschel presents a distinctive voice and unique musical finger prints of his own. Significantly, when Joseph Haydn first visited England in 1791 he is reported to have immediately asked if he could visit William Herschel. This is music more than worth listening to.