William Herschel's music

[mtomii]

Hi,
i'm searching for William Herschel's (the astronomer) music. I can't find anything either at imslp or at google. In my opinion he deserves to be played, so i would appreciate your help!

[starlady]

Although I am a professional astronomer and thought I knew all about the Herschels, I had never heard of William's music until just now. Thank you very much for bringing this to the forum!!

Anyway, a wiki-walk found this.  Do you play the Oboe?

https://www.ebookdb.org/reading/282E7936305329203716GE69/The-Oboe-Concertos-Of-Sir-William-Herschel

[j_menz]

Apart from the oboe concerto above, there appear to be a number of his symphonies/symphonias/sinfonias recorded which are commercially available, on iTunes and on YT.

Did he write any keyboard music at all? I know he was trained as a harpsichordist and organist, but couldn't find any of his keyboard works anywhere.

[bluthner]

The marvellous Dutch radio station 'Concertzender' had a series (recently concluded by the death of its presenter/compiler) that ran for several years and 144 broadcasts, devoted to 'Thunder, Lightning and Moonshine´ in music and centering on the music of Wm Herschel.

Here is a link to an archive comprising all 2012 broadcasts:

https://www.concertzender.nl/rod.php?theme=9&rod=donder%2C+bliksem+en+manenschijn&archive=0

[mtomii]

Thanks for the replies!

He wrote for keyboard, i've found a score with his 6 fugues at the British library. Just search their main catalogue at https://www.bl.uk/. I also know a voluntary he wrote (this one on youtube). I dont have the chance to take the score from the B. Library, and i cant find any other scores...

Im an amateur astronomer and amateur pianist, so Herschel is a great discovery for me

I've found some good recordings too, but that would be great to have the scores.
EDIT: His 8th symphony's sheet is my ultimate wish.

(Sorry for bad english, i really should learn it properly...)

[starlady]

Some libraries will copy or scan a text and mail it to you.  It is usually pretty expensive, though. 

Welcome to the forum. There are several other astronomers and astrophysicists (pro and amateur) who post here, but you are the first to bring in Herschel.  When you suceed in playing his music you should post a performance. Good luck! --s.

[thalbergmad]

Anyone can order from the British Library, albeit it is expensive and on average takes 4 weeks.

£27.95 for up to 100 pages plus postage if memory serves.

Thal

[ngc3201]

As another amateur astronomer and amateur keyboard player (harpsichord in my case), I am delighted to come across this. I am also searching for scores of his keyboard music. Many thanks for the information herein.