The Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood - Boyce: 8 Symphonies, Op. 2 (1993)

The huge success of this recording, made in London in 1992, has never waned overtime. Christopher Hogwood and his musicians from the Academy of Ancient Music pay homage to the instrumental music of William Boyce, who was an organist at the Chapel Royal belonging to the British monarchy. This collection of eight Symphonies published in 1760 was one of England’s very first symphonic works. They are the contemporaries of Haydn’s first symphonies (notably his famous trilogy “Morning”, “Midday” and “Evening”), but those of Boyce are more closely related to the Baroque suite than the classic symphony. This assemblage is a real treasure of 18th century English music, with typical English rhythms and melodic contours. It has some characteristics that are markedly Baroque-sounding, which are juxtaposed with the classicism that was emerging on the continent. Christopher Hogwood’s interpretation pays close attention to the instrumental detail and the often rather solemn character with varied continuo. The accuracy and precision of the recording also add to the beauty of the ensemble. This is surely one of Hogwood’s best recordings for L’Oiseau-Lyre.