William Herschel (1738-1822) - Symphony No.12 in D

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Autor: William Herschel (1738-1822)
Obra: Symphony No.12 in D
Intèrprets: London Mozart Players; Matthias Bamert (conductor)

Pintura: Anicet Charles Gabriel Lemonnier (1743-1824) - Reading of Voltaire's L'Orphelin de la Chine (a tragedy about Ghengis Khan and his sons, published in 1755), in the salon of Madame Geoffrin (Malmaison, 1812)

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Frederick William (Friedrich Wilhelm) Herschel
(Hanover, 15 November 1738 - Slough, 25 August 1822)

German-English composer, astronomer, biologist, organist, and conductor. The son of an oboist in a military band, Isaac Herschel (1707-1767), he was trained by his father, later joining his elder brother Jacob Herschel in the band. In 1755 a tour to England convinced him that his future lay in the country. In 1757 he immigrated permanently, eventually becoming a violinist in the Newcastle orchestra under Charles Avison. After similar positions in Halifax and Leeds, he succeeded in 1767 in becoming the organist at the Octagon Chapel in Bath, where he remained the rest of his life. In 1780 he became the conductor of the Bath orchestra, overseeing the public concerts. Herschel is best known for his work as an astronomer, including discoveries of the planet Uranus and being a founding member of what became the Royal Astronomical Society. He was also a biologist who published on the cellular construction of coral. As a composer, he was well regarded during his lifetime for his progressive and inventive works, particularly his symphonies. Stylistically these are similar to Joseph Haydn in style. The works include 24 symphonies, 12 concertos (for viola, violin, oboe, and organ), 45 voluntaries, 24 caprices and a sonata for solo violin, six trio sonatas, three keyboard sonatas, a complete Anglican service, and numerous Psalms and anthems.