18th Century British Symphonies - Hanover Band / Lea-Cox
audio filesThe Symphony in Britain
Graham Lea-Cox, conductor
The Hanover Band 
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18th Century British Symphonies features symphonies by native British composers who flourished after Handel - works by Arne, Lord Kelly, Abel, and the almost unheard of British composers Smethergell, Collett and Marsh. This is the first time several of these works have been heard since the 18th century.
Reviews:
‘The Guardian’ Classical CD releases, April 06, 2001
18th Century British Symphonies - Arne; Collett; Kelly; Smethergell; Abel; Marsh Hanover Band/Lea-Cox (ASV) *****
"This collection of six British Symphonies from the late 18th century is highly refreshing. Little is known of John Collett, but his four-movement Symphony Op 5 No 2, published in 1767, is a delight: in its energy it echoes the new Mannheim school, with brazen horn writing. Collett's patron, the Earl of Kelly, Thomas Erskine, studied for years in Mannheim, but his Periodical Overture No 17 is briefer and bluffer. It is in three movements, as are all the rest, including John Marsh's elegant Conversation Sinfonie for two orchestras (1778). With such bright and carefree inspiration in these works, the idea that Handel stifled British composers needs revising. Edward Greenfield, Guardian Unlimited © Guardian Newspapers Limited 2001
Fanfare (USA), September/October 2001
"..all of the readings reflect the current thinking on performance practice: brisk tempos, extreme dynamic ranges, strikingly vivid wind colorations. …The Hanover Band is one of the oldest period-instrument ensembles around and, with a number of winning releases under its belt, comes to this repertoire with little, if any, trepidation and a generous helping of enthusiasm. ….the horns burst forth from the orchestral texture in a way that I haven’t heard in many a recording. The pungency of the oboes, the softness of the flutes, and the reedy quality of the clarinets all add their unique colors to the shimmering and silvery quality of Graham Lea-Cox’s impeccable string section. … With all of this in its favor, this is sure to be another star in ASV’s already laden crown.” Robert Emmett
‘Early Music Review’ (UK) April 2001
“For those with an interest in 18th century music this record is a must, and ranks as a companion to The String Quartet in 18th-cenury England and English Classical Violin Concertos, produced by Hyperion a couple of years ago. ... It has been worth waiting for. Graham Lea-Cox has obviously researched the repertoire and chosen some of the best works of the period for inclusion. … The Hanover Band is at their best, the recording ambience is excellent, and this CD cannot be too highly recommended.” Ian Graham-Jones
The American Record Guide, September/October 2001
“…. All are deftly written and supply an inordinate amount of listening pleasure. Lea-Cox and the Hanover Band give spirited performances that fall on the ear like delicious morsels.” Bauman
Classics Today, May 2001 For the full review, please see: http://www.classicstoday.com/review.asp?ReviewNum=3302
“ John Collett, William Smethergell, John Marsh, Thomas Erskine. Sometime during this disc's 71 minutes you'll wonder why you've never heard of these very fine 18th century British symphonists--but you'll have no doubt about wanting to hear more. From the opening of Erskine's dashing Periodical Overture (Symphony) to the antiphonal interplay of the program's closing work, Marsh's A Conversation Sinfonie for double orchestra, you'll be impressed, entertained and, unless you just hate lively, tuneful instrumental music, just a little uplifted and energized. … Besides the very high standard of the writing, much of this recording's success is due to the uniformly fine, exceptionally articulate interpretation and vibrant sound of the period-instrument Hanover Band orchestra. Listen to the elegant, eloquent horns in the Larghetto of Arne's Symphony No. 4, and try not to get swept right out of your seat by the churning, driving energy of the opening Allegro of Collett's symphony. And prepare to be charmed by the lovely pastoral Andante of Smethergell's B-flat work and dazzled by the unflagging precision of the Hanover Band strings. The perfectly-captured sound .. brings fully to life the reedy warmth, brassy grit, and burnished buzz of the period instruments, whose quality of tone and technical possibilities this orchestra knows just how to exploit--to blend or contrast--where required. …. the project provides other benefits, including performing editions {by conductor Graham Lea-Cox} of several of the symphonies, some fine, informative booklet notes, and the hope that these performers will soon record more of this excellent repertoire. In all, this disc is a pleasant surprise, a real find, and unquestionably one of the year's best so far. “ David Vernier