Herschel, Sir (Frederick) William (Friedrich Wilhelm)
Herschel, Sir (Frederick) William (Friedrich Wilhelm)
Herschel, Sir (Frederick) William (Friedrich Wilhelm), eminent German-born English astronomer, violinist, organist, and composer; b. Hannover, Nov. 15, 1738; d. Slough, near Windsor, Aug. 25, 1822. The son of a military musician, he was brought up to be a musician. He became an oboist and violinist in the regimental Hannoverian band at age 14 and was sent with it to Durham in 1755. He became director of the Leeds subscription concerts in 1762. He was organist at Halifax Parish Church (1766) and at Octagon Chapel, Bath (1766–82). Long interested in astronomy, he constructed the great “Herschel” telescope, which led to his discovery of the planet Uranus in 1781. He subsequently abandoned music and was made “Astronomer Royal” to King George III in 1781. He became a British citizen in 1802, and was knighted in 1816. Among his compositions are 24 syms., a number of concertos, chamber music, organ pieces, and sacred works, including many anthems.
—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire