The Hanover Band was formed in 1980 by Caroline Brown to perform the music of the Hanoverian era (1714-1830) on period instruments. Its members include some of the finest European specialists in the field and the Band has performed widely in Britain and toured extensively abroad.

The Hanover Band completed the first Beethoven Symphony cycle on authentic instruments in 1988 to great international acclaim, and this pioneering achievement was accompanied by the preparation of a completely new Urtext edition of scores and orchestral parts based on extensive research into autographs and early editions. The Band has also made important recording of works by Haydn and Mozart, and has broken new ground with period instrument recordings of works by Weber, Schubert and Mendelssohn.

At the time of recording, Roy Goodman was one of the most active and versatile musicians specialising in ‘period’ instrument performances in Europe, appearing as leader/director with many of the most distinguished ensembles. Since then he has developed his career as a conductor. He is Principal Guest Conductor of the English Chamber Orchestra, Director Emeritus of the European Union Baroque Orchestra and Honorary President of the Royal Scottish National Orchestra Chorus.