Although the influence of German musicians such as J C Bach and Handel on 18th century British musical life is well-documented, the influence of musicians from Bohemia is less well known. Our knowledge is now increased by the book written by Dvořák Society member Sylva Šimsová about Anthony (Antonín) Kammel, 1730–1784. The title of the book is “Traces in the Sand” – The Story of Anthony Kammel in 18th Century Britain.
To launch the book, the Dvořák Society (as publisher) arranged an event on 12 July in Shugborough, Staffordshire, with live music composed by Kammel.

On Saturday 12 July 2014, the Dvořák Society held an event at the historic Shugborough Estate in Staffordshire, with talks and examples of Kammel’s music performed live by a quartet. Shugborough was the family seat of one of Kammel’s patrons (the Anson family)

Starting at 2pm in the saloon of the main house there were talks on the life of Kammel in respect of the Anson family given by local historian Andrew Baker and composer Karel Janovický, the husband of the book’s author Sylva Šimsová. Accompanying the talks were live performances of two of Kammel’s String Quartets played by the Heron Quartet. The launch took place in the house and was open to National Trust visitors and Dvořák Society members alike.
Shugborough is a working historic estate featuring a fine Georgian mansion working servants’ quarters, farm with costumed servants and walled gardens. Home to The Earls of Lichfield, Shugborough is set in 900 acres of Grade I listed parkland. It is a National Trust property
Andrew Baker has very kindly made these private recordings available to the Dvorak Society.
These are live performances of all six quartets from Op. 4.
Quartet op.4, no. 1
Quartet op.4, no. 2
Quartet op.4, no. 3
Quartet op.4, no. 4
Quartet op.4, no. 5
Quartet op.4, no. 6