COMPOSERS: Boyce
LABELS: L'OISEAU-LYRE
WORKS: Symphonies, Op. 2
PERFORMER: Academy of Ancient Music/Christopher Hogwood
CATALOGUE NO: 436 761-2 DDD
It is curious to think that these delightful and popular symphonies were first published in a modern edition by Constant Lambert for Oxford University Press in 1932. The most recent and more accurate modern edition is by Max Goberman for Doblinger, Vienna (restoring the kettledrum part curiously omitted by Lambert, but supplied in Oxford’s revised edition).
These eight symphonies were first issued by Walsh of London in 1760, but were written between 1735 and 1756 and thus represent a range of styles . A list is provided in the useful notes by Ian Bartlett.
Hogwood’s performances are sometimes a little cool but they make up in vigour what they lack in charm. The recording, made in Walthamstow Assembly Hall, is first-rate. HC Robbins Landon