William Sterndale Bennett

William Sterndale Bennett was an English composer who was, during his life, a profound and exceptional concert pianist. Bennett maintained a terribly creative period during the years of 1832-1839. By 1833 Bennett was proclaimed a prodigy and achieved the praise and support of Mendelssohn and Schumann. His compositions included the overture The Naiads, piano concertos, symphonic works, chamber music, and a number of works for pianoforte. His piano music pushed the envelop of the instrument's potential, and Bennett captured the spirit of the Classical form. Orchestral works such as concert overtures and his Symphony in G minor were among his best revealing an understanding of musical texture and imaginings.