EarlyMusicNews.Org

“WFIU’s early music program Harmonia celebrates its platinum anniversary.

Hosted from its inception by performer and scholar Angela Mariani, for two decades Harmonia has taken you to stone cathedrals, lively fairs, and dramatic stages of the past—offering musical history as told through the eyes and ears by the musicians of those long ago times. … ”

The latest posts to “The Countertenor Voice: An Online Journal”are out:

Vocal Technique: An Organizing Principle for Singers, Part 1
The Vocal Soloist as Ensemble Singer
Bergamo European Countertenor Competition Winners Announced
Watch This Now! Howell & Van Doren Sing Pergolesi

The Gotham Early Music Scene (GEMS) newsletter is published twice monthly and lists early music events occurring in the New York area.

In this month’s newsletter news of early music choirs performing in the New York area: Westminster Cathedral Choir (UK) , Blue Heron Choir (Boston) with Ensemble Plus Ultra (UK), also from the U.K., and, Byrd Ensemble (Seattle).  
  

“We’ll hear songs pirates would have sung during their daily work, take a look back at songs about the sea from Medieval Iceland, and more.
  

“The first meeting took place in the Laigh Room at St Cecilia’s Hall, and seems to have been a success, with all participants wishing to do more of the same in the future.“

“Toronto, August 25, 2011 —The Toronto Consort launches the 2011-12 season on October 21 and 22, 2011 with a flourish of Venetian opulence — as heard through the ears of a German baroque composer, Johann Rosenmüller.
  

“Canadian countertenor Matthew White is not yet 40 but has already had a full career. The singer sees his vocal art as work and discipline—a worthy mantra inspired by the 17th- and 18th-century castratos.
  

“Press release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 SEPTEMBER 2011

Rediscovering Forgotten Early Music Pioneers

The time is ripe for a revival of the early music revival. The pioneers of today’s flourishing early music movement – the people who put Baroque and earlier music back on the map – are fading into obscurity. A new blog, The Early Music Pioneers Archive (www.semibrevity.com), combines research with documents, video interviews, photographs and digitalized clips (from LPs, 78s and private recordings), to refocus attention on a host of musicians, scholars and instrument makers who deserve to be remembered.

The Nineteenth Century Studies Association announces the 2012 Article  Prize, recognizing scholarly excellence in any discipline focusing on any aspect of the long 19th century (French Revolution to World War I).
  

“16 August 2011

As Linn comes to the end of its time as Gramophone's 'Label of the Year' we are proud to announce that three of the recordings released within the last twelve months have been chosen as Finalists for a 2011 Gramophone Award.
  

Celebrate our future with us as we unveil our new name
~ Nota Bene Baroque ~

“Enjoy fabulous mini-concerts by the Nota Bene musicians, rosewater-flavoured meringues (all the rage 300 years ago!) and other Baroque-inspired refreshments, Baroque games, a silent auction, period costumes, a 50/50 draw, cash bar, and a baroque instrument "Petting Zoo".

“After its inauguration five years ago and due to its great success with students, the Aula de Música Antigua (Early Music Academy) begins its fifth edition this 2011-2012, with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year courses being taught simultaneously, covering up the complete training.
  

Folger Shakespeare Library
Address:
201 East Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

“Explore our garden, inspired by herbal references in Shakespeare's plays and also incorporating plants popular in his time, including lavender, creeping thyme, and English ivy; a knot garden; and Shakespearean statues by American sculptor Greg Wyatt. Folger docents offer insights into plantings, Elizabethan customs, and more.
  

“How the saga of Italian unification in 1861 is being (half-heartedly) celebrated by opera composers.

 Since its inception in the early 17th century, opera is a divisive artform in Italy.
  

“John Playford (1623–1686) is probably best known today as publisher of The English Dancing Master (1651) which contains unharmonized melodies and instructions for the steps to several English country dances. 
  

Vote for the Gramophone Artist of the Year 2011!

“Who would you like to see win?

Gramophone’s critics have already been engaged for some months in the rigorous judging process by which these prestigious classical prizes are allotted – and which this year are being presented in association with Steinway & Sons. But, as tradition dictates, one of the highest-profile awards – Artist of the Year – is decided not by our reviewers but by you.  …

In this latest issue appear the following articles:

“Vocal Technique: Boring Exercises That Will Make You a Better Singer” by Ian Howell
“Opera Corner: Young Artist Programs” by Nicholas Tamagna
“Countertenor Stephen Wallace Interviewed on RTE Radio” by Ian Howell
  

Hear Rosalyn Tureck play various works by J.S. Bach.

Rosalyn Tureck, renowned musicologist, inspired many to study Bach on many keyboard platforms (piano, harpsichord, clavichord) and founded the Tureck Bach Research Institute, Inc. in 2001.
  

This month, the  EarlyMusicNews.org “International Early Music Events Calendar" makes its appearance in “beta” version. As such, it is in a very trial version and may need tweaking before making its stay a permanent one on the front page. Let us know if you notice any problems or even submitting your comments on this new feature. Leave us a note even if you do not see your event appearing on the calendar.

NOTE that for the time being, concert dates are not being input although there are plans for these to make their appearance in the very near future.

Marc Paré
Admin/Editor
Admin@EarlyMusicNews.org

For those of you enjoying the pleasures of the summer months,“early music” related e-books may make your summer months even more pleasurable. 
  

News from (UK) Dance Books, that their new site is now open. Of particular interest is the “Early Dance Books” section.
  

“Report on Making a Clavichord after N264785 in Musikmuseet at the Instrument-building Course at Marholmen, July 26 - August 12, 1999 by Kenneth Sparr (Translated into English by Stuart Frankel)”

A nice article on the construction of a clavichord by Kenneth Sparr, informative and very well organized. (ed.)
  

American Academy in Rome
Rome Prize 2012

Competition Deadline: 1 November 2011
Extended Deadline: 15 November 2011*

The American Academy in Rome invites applications for the Rome Prize
competition.  One of the leading overseas centers for independent study and
advanced research in the arts and the humanities, the Academy offers up to
thirty fellowships for periods ranging from six months to two years.
  

“A hugely valuable illuminated manuscript has disappeared from the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, say police. …
  

Recently discussed on a recorder mailing list, removing mould buildup from recorders and general maintenance tips on cleaning recorders:“Microbiological Issues in Recorder Playing and Mantenance” (Author: Paolo Faeti).