Search - William Herschel, Franz Joseph Haydn, Davis Jerome :: Sir William Herschel: Music By the Father of Modern Astronomy

It's not Beethoven!

Evan Dembskey | Johannesburg, South Africa | 10/27/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Not by a long shot, but it is surprisingly good nonetheless. I fear that this CD will be purchased mainly by amateur astronomers, which is a pity. Herschel wrote with an accomplished, polished and mild hand which will no doubt find a wide audience if given the exposure it deserves. The highlight of the CD, in my opinion, is the "Chamber Symphony in F major"."

Surprise Find!

11/16/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit that before today I had never heard of William Herschel. (n.b. the amazon.com search engine only finds this composer if the name is spelt "Hershel" !?). I heard the "Concerto for Oboe in C major" played on the car radio as I drove in to work this morning. Of course, the oboe is one of my favourite instruments. I immediately fell in love with the sweet mournful sound of the oboe in this recording. I have a huge collection of CDs now, and so I rarely add to it these days. However, there was no question that this recording must be tracked down and purchased without delay!"

William Herschel - musician and astronomer

M. Hemenway | Austin, TX, USA | 01/19/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this to play to my astronomy class, but fell in love with the music and play it for myself. Herschel was a musician first, and became an astronomer almost by accident when he read a book about optics written by an author who had written one on music. Like so many of us, he wanted to read something else by a favorite author -- and then got caught with the telescope-making bug. More than a constructor of telescopes, he discovered a planet and found a career. But, the music never left him and this recording Concertos for Oboe are charming. The CD also has one Haydn symphony. Enoy."