In 1779, Smethergell reported an annual income of about £200, earned from his organist positions, playing viola in the Vauxhall orchestra, and teaching.
Performer Biography
Douglas Bostock, the conductor of this recording, has over 100 CDs to his name, including major recording cycles of Carl Nielsen's orchestral music and Robert Schumann's symphonies.
Historical Context
Before Haydn's arrival in London in 1790, orchestral concerts were well-established in various venues, including London's Pleasure Gardens like Vauxhall Gardens.
Composer Biography
Smethergell spent much of his musical career as an organist, serving at All Hallows Church from 1770 and St. Mary-at-Hill Church from 1775.
Performer Biography
The Südwestdeutsches Kammerorchester Pforzheim, the ensemble on this recording, was founded in 1950 by Friedrich Tilegant, a pupil of Paul Hindemith.
Composition History
Smethergell's Six Overtures in 8 Parts, Op. II, were printed around 1778 by Longman, Lukey & Broderip, a prominent London music publisher.
Composer Biography
William Smethergell, the composer of these overtures, was baptized in London in 1751 and came from a family that was not wealthy; his father was a poultry dealer.
You might also enjoy...
Gossec: 4 Symphonies
Johann Baptist Vanhal: Symphonies
Vanhal : 5 Symphonies
Boccherini: The 6 Symphonies, Op.12
Dussek: Three Sinfonias
Boccherini: The Six Symphonies
Koželuch: Symphonies, Vol. 1
Beethoven: Symphony No. 5 - Gossec: Symphonie à dix-sept parties
Beethoven: The 9 Symphonies
Richter: 6 Symphonies, Op. 2
Kozeluch, L.: Symphonies in D Major / G Minor / F Major
