Boyce: Symphonies Nos. 1-8, Op. 2

William Boyce was among the most important English composers of the late Baroque period, 25 years younger than Handel, whom he outlived by twenty years. Boyce’s Eight Symphonies are the best known and most recorded of all his works. Adapted in the main from the instrumental movements of his numerous odes and theatrical works, the Symphonies combine the French overture and Italian sinfonia styles, displaying tuneful, engaging melodies and sprightly rhythms.

“While Trevor Pinnock (see above) or Christopher Hogwood might justifiably retain benchmark status, Kevin Mallon and his Canadian period-instrument Aradia Ensemble offer a nicely judged and pleasantly played alternative, vibrantly conveying the difficult blend of dancelike wit and muscular energy in Boyce's music.

Apart from the list of participants being wildly incorrect (a choir where none exists, horns overlooked, no organ and uncredited harpsichord) the only mild reservation is that the over-reverberant recorded sound conceals occasional problems with intonation and washes everything in a mushy soup that does not always assist transparency and clarity.

However, the acoustic lends an attractive bloom to the horns in Symphony No 4, and the effect of the resonant trumpets and timpani in Symphony No 5 is invigorating. If you are curious about Boyce's orchestral music, then this is an ideal place to start.” --The Gramophone Classical Music Guide 2010