William Herschel is a name strongly associated with Bath. The German organist, composer and scientist discovered the planet Uranus from his back garden in New King Street (just round the corner from Green Park Station) in 1781, at the height of Bath’s Georgian splendour and whilst holding down a job as the organist of the Octagon Chapel. As well as his scientific discoveries, Herschel is well remembered, especially in Bath, for his musical compositions, including twenty four symphonies and a wealth of very beautiful organ music.
On April 17th, historian and acclaimed organist Dr Dominique Proust will give a talk on Herschel’s life and work, in science and in music, followed by an organ recital in the evening, to feature Herschel’s compositions alongside works by Buxtehude, Bach and Holst. The talk takes place at 12.30 and the recital at 7.30, both at Bath United Reformed Church. Further information is available here: http://www.historyofbath.org.uk/News.aspx