The Capricornus Consort Basel, highly praised by critics for their sensible interpretations on their recordings of Erlebach, Graupner and Manfredini, now presents instrumental music of the early Classical period.

Franz Xaver Richter (1709-1789) was one of the most important members of the so-called 'Mannheim School', based at the Mannheim court, the orchestra of which was said to be the best of its time. Prince-Elector Charles Theodore gathered the best singers and instrumentalists in his residencies in Mannheim and Schwetzingen. His generosity meant the Stamitz Family, Christian Cannabich, Charles Joseph Toeschi, Ignaz Holzbauer and Franz Xaver Richter all contributed to the development of the Mannheim style and thus exerted considerable influence.