Recent Researches in the Music of the Classical Era

Music Sample (C62) Music Sample (C63)

John Marsh (1752–1828) was perhaps the most prolific English composer of his time. His own catalog of compositions records over 350 works, of which he lists thirty-nine symphonies. Of these, only the nine that Marsh had printed are extant, together with three one-movement finales. Marsh was a lawyer by training and a gentleman of varied interests, and his thirty-seven volumes of journals, now published in an abridged edition by Pendragon Press, are among the most valuable sources of information on life and music in eighteenth-century England. The symphonies here published represent the varied styles that Marsh utilized in writing for the musicians in the cities where he worked. “Although not masterpieces of the highest class, Marsh’s symphonies have such charm that their neglect seems inexcusable” (Richard Gorer, Grove, 5th edition).

Contents:
Part 1:

The Salisbury Symphonies

Symphony No. 8 [9] in G Major (1778)

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Allegro

I. Allegro maestoso
II. Andante
III. Allegretto

I. Allegro
II. Largo 8 in a bar
III. Allegro spirituoso

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Chasse: Allegro

Symphony No. 5 [16] in E-flat Major (1783)

I. Largo staccatto
II. Allegro moderato
III. Minuetto; Allegro spirituoso

I. Allegro
II. Andante
III. Presto

The Chichester Symphonies

Symphony No. 4 [19] in F Major (1788)

I. Allegro
II. Larghetto
III. Minuetto
IV. Allegro

I. Andante (The hunter’s call in the morning)
II. Allegretto (Setting out from home; the fox discover’d)
III. Allegro (Chasse)

I. Largo maestoso; Allegro spiritoso
II. Andante
III. Minuetto: Allegro
IV. Allegro scherzando

Finale No. 3 in E-flat Major (1799)

Andante; Allegro

Pomposo

Maestoso; Trio
Allegro