EarlyMusicNews.Org

"The Croatian Baroque Ensemble is the most prominent Croatian ensemble specialized for historically authentic interpretations of instrumental and vocal and instrumental music from the baroque and similar periods, performed on original instruments and their quality replicas.

The ensemble was founded in 1999 and consists of esteemed musicians from the younger generation - both instrumentalists and vocalists, who are already renowned in performing baroque music.

Along with a continuous concert series consisting of seven concerts at the Croatian Music Institute with clear thematic programs that include Croatian and foreign baroque music, they are regular guests at numerous national and international festivals (Varaždin Baroque Evenings, Zagreb Baroque Festival, Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Split Summer Festival, St. Donat’s Festival in Zadar, Histria Festival, Croatian Passionic Heritage, Organum Histriae, Concerts at the Eufrazijana, Rovinj Summer Festival, Brod Summer Festival, Osijek Summer Festival, Summer Festival on Pag, Festival Brežice, Festival of Croatian Music in Vienna, Festival of Central European Countries in Rome, Festival Tesori musicali Toscani in Pisa, etc.) ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jul 12, 2008 | Hits: 390

“Solstice brings together, around its founder, some of the most dedicated and talented Belgian musicians in this repertoire. They have in common a taste for 'authentic' early music and a solid modern training. The resulting interpretations combine refinement, sense of detail and classicism with great vivacity and engagement. Let us allow the press to have their say - they speak of Solstice in the following terms: total commitment, beautiful to see and hear - a great gust of freshness - ample breath and lively contrasts - one must appreciate 'en gourmet' these subtle blends of sonorities - perfect cohesion - by turns imperative, tender or ironic, energetic or languashing.

Chamber music is a magical alchemy, in which the personalities of the musicians begin by searching for and confronting one another, in order to achieve a common expression and élan. The task of director Isabelle Lamfalussy is to gather together the musicans, the composers and their music, but the music making is collective, and the final interpretation is created by each member of Solstice.“

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Added on: Apr 22, 2009 | Hits: 390

Discography

• Kapsberger: La Villanella (2001)
• Stefano Landi: Homo fugi velut umbra... (2002)
• La Tarantella: Antidotum Tarantulae (2002)
• All'Improvviso (2004)
• Cavalieri: Rappresentatione di Anima, et di Corpo (2004)
• Los Impossibles
• Monteverdi - Teatro d'Amore (2009)
• Via Crucis (2010)
• Monteverdi - Vespro della Beata Vergine (2011)
• Los Pajaros Perdidos (2012)

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Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 391

“We are a string quartet that plays on original instruments and forms the core of an ensemble of varying combinations; like faces on dice, alea’s numbers can change.

In 2000, we decided to join paths in a wish to explore the chamber music repertory and performance practice of the Classical and Romantic periods.

The four of us each have extensive experience in the field of ancient music, which we play regularly as section leaders of various ensembles (Europa Galante, I Barocchisti, Accademia Bizantina, Les Talens Lyriques, Le Concert d`Astrée). For this reason we find ourselves sometimes taking on projects with Alea that stretch back to the 17^th Century or the first half of the 18^th Century, but our main interest lies in the music of later epochs.

It is our conviction that the study of source material – treatises and early editions – as well as the use of various types of historical instruments and bows, still provide new interpretive insights. This is the reason we share our experience with musicologists, luthiers and bowmakers who are driven by a similar passion.  …”

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Added on: Nov 16, 2011 | Hits: 391

Le Concert bourgeois is an early music ensemble whose core is concentrated around a string trio supported by vocal soloists and choirs. Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 20, 2009 | Hits: 392

"The Spirit of Gambo is a Chicago area viol consort featuring Ken Perlow, Phillip Serna & Russell Wagner. The Spirit of Gambo performs music throughout the rich viol consort repertoire. Programs are built around providing historical context as well as variety in the repertoire to produce a stirring musical experience.

The Spirit of Gambo – a Chicago Consort of Viols was formed in 2005 to address a growing deficiency of viol consort performers in the Midwest region, especially in the Chicago area. All being professional performers, the Spirit of Gambo are passionate advocates of the performance of music for early instruments, especially music composed for viols.

The Spirit of Gambo’s members have performed on period instruments with varied groups including Ars Antigua, Ars Musica Chicago, Bella Voce, the Boston Early Music Festival, the Bottom Line Continuo Consort, the Catacoustic Consort, Chicago Early Music Consort, Chicago Opera Theater, the Classical Arts Orchestra, Comic Intermezzo, Early Music Chicago, Ensemble Musical Offering, the Forces of Virtue Ensemble and Choir, the Janus Ensemble, the Newberry Consort, the Second City Musick, and the Evelyn Dunbar Memorial Early Music Festival at Northwestern University. " See website for more details. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 16, 2008 | Hits: 393

"Concordia plays the magical English music of the golden age and a wide range of renaissance and baroque repertoire from Italy, Spain, Germany and France. Concordia often works with guest artists on other instruments and, above all, the human voice, regular collaborators including countertenors Robin Blaze and James Bowman, tenor James Gilchrist, baritone Peter Harvey and soprano Rachel Elliott. Perhaps because of the breadth and appeal of its stimulating programming, which also includes new commissions, contemporary dance and poetry, Concordia is now one of the most active British chamber groups, appearing at the Wigmore Hall, festivals throughout the country and major venues across Europe.

The regular members of Concordia are Mark Levy, Joanna Levine, Emilia Benjamin, Reiko Ichise, Alison McGillivray and Markus Tapio viols, Elizabeth Kenny lute and Gary Cooper organ & harpsichord. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 12, 2008 | Hits: 393

"The Binchois Consort was founded in 1995 to perform Dufay’s Mass for St Anthony of Padua as part of a liturgical Mass for the Saint’s feast day. Its recording of that Mass (CDA66854) was released by Hyperion in 1996 to an enthusiastic critical reception. All its subsequent discs have received similarly stunning reviews. The second, ‘Music for St James the Greater by Guillaume Dufay’, received numerous awards, including ‘Recording of the Month’ and ‘Early Music Recording of the Year’ in ‘Gramophone’ magazine and a 'Diapason d’or.’ The group’s fourth disc, ‘Josquin Des Prez and his Contemporaries,’ was voted runner-up to the ‘Early Music Recording of the Year’ for 2002 by ‘Gramophone;’ and its next release, of Masses and motets by Busnois, Domarto and Pullois, was shortlisted for the same award and received the coveted 'G5' of 'Goldberg' magazine and 'Five stars' in 'BBC Music' magazine. Recording no. 6, of a Mass, Puisque je vis, thought to be by Dufay, along with motets by Dufay, Compère and others, was named 'Diapason decouverte' by 'Diapason'', and received various other music industry accolades. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 12, 2008 | Hits: 395

"Vox is a 12-voice professional, Ann Arbor based, a cappella ensemble dedicated to the performance of early (primarily Medieval and Renaissance) vocal music. Founded in 2000 by Executive Director Whitnie Crown Wolverton, Vox has been under the artistic direction of Christopher Wolverton since its inception. Members of Vox have sung professionally as soloists and ensemble artists with some of the most prestigious vocal music ensembles, including Chanticleer, St. Paul's Cathedral (London), The Rose Ensemble, Conspirare, St. Martin's Chamber Choir, and the Santa Fe Desert Chorale. " ...

Added on: Aug 22, 2007 | Hits: 397

"Dulces Voces (Sweet Voices) is a vocal ensemble which specializes in performing secular and sacred music composed before 1750. The group has an eclectic repertoire which spans periods from chant and Burgundian motets to Monteverdi and Purcell.

Dulces Voces is comprised of a group of five singers based in Lincoln, Nebraska. The ensemble performs mostly a cappella music and has no conductor or advisor, therefore it draws on its members for repertoire and performance practice. The members of Dulces Voces come from varying backgrounds and professions, but all members have a profound love for the music performed. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 397

"Stile Antico is an ensemble of young British singers, now established as one of the most original and exciting new voices in its field. Prizewinners at the 2005 Early Music Network International Young Artists’ Competition, the group is much in demand in concert and records exclusively for Harmonia Mundi. Their debut disc Music for Compline drew ecstatic reviews, winning the Diapason d’Or de l'année, the Choc du Monde de la Musique, and attracting a nomination for the 50th GRAMMY awards. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 23, 2008 | Hits: 397

"The Chris Norman Ensemble brings to life the energetic traditional dance music of Maritime Canada, Scotland, & Ireland with an emphasis on exploring points of contact with the music's roots in 16th-19th century Europe. The Ensemble's programs combine originality, intelligence, fun, and sheer mastery that have won them respect from audiences, presenters, and colleagues alike in North America, Europe and Asia.

At the heart of the group is Chris Norman, who's brilliant and imaginative flute playing has contributed to groups as diverse as the The Baltimore Consort, Skyedance, Helicon, Chatham Baroque, Concerto Caledonia, as well as Hollywood soundtracks and seven solo recordings. His influential work as a performer, composer, recording artist, educator, and director of the Boxwood Festival & Workshop has played a significant role in reviving the flute in traditional Scottish and Canadian music.

The Ensemble's extraordinary range runs the gamut from dynamic performances headlining international folk festivals to programs for some of North America's most prestigious chamber and early music societies and universities. With flutes, pipes, guitar, mandolin, mandola, harmonium, bass, percussion, drums & vocals, the Ensemble reaches across five centuries of traditional, renaissance and baroque music with a range of energetic programs. Education and public service is at the core of the group's values, and they regularly incorporate workshops, school programs, and community outreach into their tours. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 397

"fter twenty-eight years of world-wide performance and recording, The Sixteen is recognised as one of the world’s greatest ensembles. Comprising both choir and period-instrument orchestra, The Sixteen's total commitment to the music it performs is its greatest distinction. Its special reputation for performing early English polyphony, masterpieces of the Renaissance, bringing fresh insights into Baroque and early Classical music and a diversity of 20th Century music, is drawn from the passions of conductor and founder, Harry Christophers. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 24, 2008 | Hits: 398

"L'Ensemble Gilles Binchois, who will celebrate its 30th year of performance, since its creation in 1979, has explored the large repertoire of the Middle Ages to the vocal repertoire of the Renaissance. ... "

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Added on: Apr 18, 2008 | Hits: 399

"DIAPENTE is the ancient Greek and medieval name for the interval of a fifth, and originally means 'through five'. The newly founded 5-part viol consort Diapente is a truly international ensemble. The members come from the Netherlands, France, Russia, USA and Gemany and play in various leading European and North American early music ensembles as The Locke Consort, La Grande Écurie, Currende, Musica Eterna, Oberlin Consort of Viols and Tafelmusik. They called Diapente to life in 2001 in order to perform the most beautiful repertoire of the "golden age" of viol consort music. Using all instruments of the viol family in various combinations (here: treble, 2 tenors, bass and violone), Diapente seeks to bring out the charm, richness and beauty of its particular and idiomatic repertoire. The use of a violone - a historical but in our times unique feature in consort music - is already a hallmark of the sound of the ensemble. Diapente played at the 1. Festival de viole de gambe in Asfeld (France), June 2002 and at the Early Music Festival Utrecht (The Netherlands), August 2002. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 400

“Described as one of the discoveries of the 2001 early music festival in Regensburg, Germany, Musicians of the Old Post Road has been captivating audiences in the US and abroad with its exciting programming and virtuoso performances. As a chamber ensemble specializing in the period instrument performance of music from the Baroque, Classical, and early Romantic periods, the ensemble specializes in offering a dynamic and diverse repertory that includes rediscovered works that have been lost to audiences for centuries.“

Also, visit these associated Old Post Road sites:

Podcasts: Discover Podcasts
YouTube Channel: musiciansopr
OPR Editions: Old Post Road Editions

Added on: Jul 27, 2010 | Hits: 400

"The Dufay Collective has been performing and recording its unique brand of early music for twenty years. During this time the group has performed at major festivals and toured throughout the world, receiving critical acclaim from Cairo to Carlisle. The group has made a series of successful recordings of a wide ranging repertoire of instrumental and vocal music from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, including the Grammy nominated 'Cancionero'.

They can also be heard on the soundtracks of several feature films including. The Dufays have just recorded their second disc for Harmonia Mundi USA, being 'The Play Of Daniel'. To mark their twentieth anniversary, the group has embarked upon a series of long term projects, including the forthcoming ‘Alchemy’ project with Andalusian ensemble Al Quimia. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 401

"Founded by Michel Corboz in 1961, the Ensemble Vocal de Lausanne is made up of vocal and musical personalities who are perfectly in phase with its conductor's tastes and requirements. This flexibly sized ensemble consists of a core of young professionals which can be supplemented by other choral singers of a high standard, according to the nature of the work being performed. This characteristic enables the EVL to tackle an extremely wide repertoire that covers the history of music from the early Baroque (Monteverdi, Carissimi) to the twentieth century (Poulenc, Honegger etc.) and every possible combination from the small group of twelve singers to a full symphonic chorus.

The EVL's discography (around fifty recordings, produced by Erato, Cascavelle or Aria Music) has earned it a worldwide reputation. Some thirty of these records have won awards, among them the Mozart Requiem which received a 'Choc du Monde de la Musique' in 1999.

In the course of its forty-year history, the EVL has visited a large number of countries (South Africa, Belgium, Canada, Spain, Germany, Poland, Japan, the Netherlands, Israel, France, Italy, Argentina, Greece, Tunisia, Portugal, the UK), to enthusiastic public acclaim. In recent seasons, it has made successful appearances at such festivals as Rheingau, La Chaise-Dieu, Noirlac, and Lessay, and at 'La Folle Journée' in Nantes, Lisbon, Bilbao and Tokyo. In 2003, 2005 and 2006, it returned to Japan for concert tours that ended each time on the legendary stage of Suntory Hall in Tokyo. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 09, 2008 | Hits: 401

"Courtlye Musick is a group of three versatile musicians who specialise in the authentic presentation of Renaissance and Medieval music.

During 2001 Courtlye Musick was restructured as a trio. Anita and Martin Felton and Anne Gray are all part of the former four part ensemble and since 1984 have performed at concerts, workshops, festivals, receptions, historic events, weddings, civic occasions, banquets and many diverse functions far and wide. Performances have been broadcast on radio and television. The repertoire includes music from all over renaissance Europe and the huge collection of authentic instruments continues to grow.

In performance, the ensemble is surrounded by a fascinating display of instruments which includes Renaissance woodwind, (crumhorns, rauschpfeifen, shawms, racketts, curtal and recorders); strings, (viols, rebec, lute and harp); brass, (sackbuts, cornetti, and lysarden), and others such as gemshorns, bells, pipe and tabour. The clear voices of the consort are a feature of every performance. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 402

"Wynndebagge is one of England’s best known players of the hurdy gurdy and English bagpipes. Musician, comedian historian and raconteur, he is above all an entertainer. "

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Added on: Apr 17, 2008 | Hits: 402

"Le Poème Harmonique, a group of soloists who came together in 1998 under the direction of Vincent Dumestre, centres its artistic activity on music of the seventeenth and the early eighteenth century.

The group's vocal and instrumental interpretations are enriched by other disciplines, with actors and dancers joining its singers and musicians in programmes of chamber works – Le Ballet des Fées, Il Fasolo – and, since 2004, in large-scale stage productions, such as Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme, a comédie-ballet by Molière and Lully (stage director Benjamin Lazar) and Baroque Carnival (directed by Cécile Roussat), an original show combining Italian music with the circus arts (artists trained at the Centre National des Arts du Cirque). For operatic performances as Cadmus et Hermione by Lully (stage director Benjamin Lazar), Le Poème Harmonique studies in depth the correspondences between ‘period’ aesthetics – use of candles for lighting, authentic gestures and, for Cadmus, painted canvases and machinery – and the aesthetics of modern stage productions. Interaction between artistic disciplines and real teamwork – working together as a company – are Le Poème Harmonique’s hallmark in Baroque performance today. ..."

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Added on: Jul 12, 2008 | Hits: 402

"The United continuo ensemble consists of a basic cast, consisting of the lute, Chitarrone, Baroque guitar, viola da gamba, violone, Lirone, harpsichord and organ. Depending on the program, the ensemble will be extended by singers and other instruments as well as dancers and actors. ... " (Google translation) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 03, 2008 | Hits: 402

"The Novello Quartet was founded in the winter of 2002 to perform Joseph Haydn's rarely programmed quartet setting of the Seven Last Words of Christ. The quartet's passion for the music of Haydn and his contemporaries has led to an ongoing artistic partnership between four of America's leading early music artists. The Novello Quartet has been presented by the San Francisco Early Music Society, San Francisco Performances, Trinity Concerts, the San Luis Obispo Mozart Festival, and was the featured ensemble at the 2006 Mozart Conference at Claremont College. ...

The Novello Quartet was named for the members of the Novello family, Vincent, Mary and Clara. Vincent (1781-1861) was a church organist, composer and music publisher born of Italian parents in London, England. With the publication of two volumes of sacred music (1811) he founded the publishing house of Novello & Co, and was a founding member and later pianist and conductor of the Philharmonic Society. In 1829, Vincent Novello and his wife Mary undertook a journey to the continent, stopping in the musical capitals of Europe to hear the music of the day in churches and concert halls, and also to deliver to W.A. Mozart's impoverished sister Nannerl a small sum Vincent had raised by subscription in London. Among the musical luminaries the Novellos met on their journey were Mozart's widow Constanze, and Abbe Stadler, who told them the story of Joseph Haydn's commission from Spain by the Bishop of Cadiz for the Seven Last Words of Christ. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 02, 2008 | Hits: 404

"We met in the spring of 2004 in the state academy of music in Trossingen, a small town which lies in the Black Forest in the south of Germany. Four musicians from four different nationalities: Germany, France, Transylvania and Israel. We soon found that we share a common language and a common fascination with the polyphonic music of the late Middle Ages. Music that manages to express the deepest human feelings in a delicate, poetic manner, in a way that, in our belief, has not been surpassed. Through playing together we have learnt to know each other, to develop our own language and our own approach to this wonderful music which, in all of its complexity, leaves much freedom to the performer.

The use of instruments reconstructed based on medieval iconography allows us to approach the original soundscape. We attach great importance to the understanding of the musical language of the period, now having become foreign of today's classical musicians. Thus, a bit in the manner of a performer facing a contemporary work with a new language, it is a matter of decoding little by little the written page, to try to understand the essence of a piece, and to discover its meaning with our personal modern frames of mind

Santenay
The ensemble draws its name from the castle of Santenay, in Burgundy, seigniorial residence from the XIth to the XVIth century, belonging in the XIVth century to Philippe le Hardi, son of the king of France Jean le Bon and first duke of Greater Burgundy. Thus this castle constitutes for us in a way a symbol of the apogee of the culture at the Burgundian court. Today the lands of the castle of Santenay are also known for their excellent wine production."

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Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 404

"The Rose Consort of Viols takes its name from the celebrated family of viol makers, whose work spanned the growth and flowering of the English consort repertoire. With its unique blend of intimacy, intricacy, passion and flamboyance, this music ranges from Taverner and Byrd, to Lawes, Locke and Purcell, forming the basis of the Rose Consort's programmes, which may also include singers, lutes and keyboard instruments. The Rose Consort has received awards for its research and performance of newly devised programmes, some of which have been toured on the Early Music Network, and has also commissioned and performed new pieces for voices and viols by Malcolm Bruno, Elizabeth Liddle and Ivan Moody. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 14, 2008 | Hits: 405