 In 1989 Pinnock founded The Classical Band in New York , signing an 18 @-@ disc recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon before the ensemble 's first rehearsal . He led the group in performances of the classical repertoire from Haydn to Mendelssohn on period instruments , including playing as fortepiano soloist . After a disappointing series of concerts , he resigned in 1990 and was succeeded by Bruno Weil . 
