I chose Herschel because I wondered if he was related to the man who the famous telescope was named after and I find that he is one and the same! Most places I have looked at online do not give me much information on his music but from what I have read he was a brilliant musician who then became a brilliant world renowned Astronomer. Reading his astrological accomplishments I was stunned.
I am sat here listening to his music and I am really enjoying it. My initial thoughts on it are that he is very much a rigid exponent of the Classical style, with no leeway for an independent expression of musicianship available to the musicians. However I am really impressed with the compositions (see list). To me they very such sound like they could have been played at the royal court, they have a regality about them. I am not sure but I think I can hear a harpsichord here, only now and again. It is lovely. Its very much a classical piece, it seems so rigid in its construction, but I must say I am very pleasantly surprised by the pieces. I am really surprised by the man himself too. I didn’t find any connection with Hayden, Mozart or Beethoven though.
Amanda Music BA (Hons) 