EarlyMusicNews.Org

“Demus group Ensemble, is named after the treatise 'De musica' de San Agustin, part of his philosophical dialogues written during the fourth century. It is a dialogue of Neoplatonic inspiration had much impact on Renaissance composers. …

Created in 2009 by its director, Maria Angeles Zapata, has highly experienced musicians, each with an interesting career in the field of early music, and also in the interpretation of other styles and eras. …“

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Added on: Oct 01, 2011 | Hits: 340

“Since 1992, a small team of loyal and passionate musicians recreates, around Antoine Guerber, extraordinary music of the period so remote, intriguing, fascinating, which has shaped our culture, our language, our society: the Middle Ages.”

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Added on: Nov 13, 2011 | Hits: 340

"Four Temperaments, previously known as Donum Musicum was established at the Royal Academy of Music in September 2005. The group benefitted from coaching with Historical Perfomance specialists such as Lisa Beznosiuk, Laurence Cummings, Nicolette Moonen and Jenny Ward-Clarke.

The quartet was awarded a prestigious Leverhulme Fellowship at the Royal Academy of Music for 2007/2008. The group will act as an ensemble-in-residence at the Academy, working alongside current students in various areas of performance

In June 2006 Donum Musicum were awarded the prestigious Royal Academy of Music Friends' Early Music Prize. Representing four different nations (Finland, Great Britain, Hungary and Poland), the group derives its name in the neutral language of Latin, from the piece with which they won the RAM Friends prize and which was written specifically for their combination of instruments – The Musical Offering Trio Sonata by J. S. Bach. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 16, 2008 | Hits: 339

“Founded in 2009 by François Joubert-Caillet, L’Achéron is constituted of a variable number of musicians, coming from all around the world, a young generation already performing with renowned ensembles and feeling the need to affirm their artistic personality in a more intimate context.

Focused on Renaissance, baroque and contemporary music, l’Acheron’s interpretation of ancient repertoire is an attempt to bring forth its fundamental characteristics, reinterpreting with the greatest respect original works, being as authentic but also as readable as possible for today’s audience. The marriage between musical research and the live interpretation feed the intellectual and sensorial curiosity of the audience.

L’Acheron is a laboratory for new ideas, concepts and artistic practices: improvisations as well as contemporary music are an integral part of what we hope will be the continually evolving approach of the ensemble.

In Greek mythology, the Acheron is the river of the Underworld on which Charon ferries the souls of the Dead to Hell, the very river Orpheus crosses to look for Eurydice. Nourished by this symbol, l’Acheron is willing to open up a way in between two apparently opposed worlds: the living and the dead, the past and present, ideal and reality.“

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Added on: Nov 16, 2011 | Hits: 339

"The Association Musical of the Cantrici Euterpe together with Aquilano Vocal was established in 1994 dedicating themselves from the outset to the study and performance of early music, to this end cooperates with the group instrumental Aquila Altera using only instruments copies of the originals of the era. " (Google translation) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: May 24, 2008 | Hits: 338

“In 1987, Hugo Reyne decided to form an ensemble devoted entirely to reviving France’s musical heritage of the 17th and 18th centuries. The name he chose combines the word "simphonie", which at the time was used to denote an instrumental ensemble, and the Marais, one of the most beautiful areas of Paris, typical of the Baroque period.

Hugo Reyne and La Simphonie du Marais perform a repertoire that ranges from the early baroque period to the classical period, with special emphasis on French music from Lully to Rameau. This ensemble brings together the most eminent musicians of the young baroque generation, giving Hugo Reyne the opportunity to bring his musicology research to life and to illustrate the innovative aspect of his interpretation.

The ensemble explore avenues of chamber music with flute or oboe, orchestral symphonies with between 15 and 30 musicians, open-air music with oboe band, side drums, trumpets and timpani and the birth of French opera. ..“

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Added on: Jul 27, 2009 | Hits: 338

"The Freiburger Spielleyt is one the pre-eminent ensembles for early music. Many concerts in the field of sacred as well as secular music, broadcast, TV and CD-recordings made the ensemble famous. The group is known for their joy of music in connection with a conscious interpretation of historical sources, and: “… they have an excellent soprano amongst them. Regina Kabis has a wonderful and clear timbre which sounds as if it were just made for early music. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 13, 2008 | Hits: 337

"The Parley crosses boundaries, from the recording studio, the concert platform, to the classroom or the humble village hall, the activities of members of the group focus on bringing their knowledge of historical style and techniques to the music they love, and enthusiastically communicating it to other players, and the audience.

Few groups harbour as much expertise in their chosen field. Long experience in the scholarship and performance of 17th and 18th century music are brought together in their specialist areas of string and continuo performance practice. The main focus of The Parley's activities has been in the repertoire of the early violin family, and their knowledge of 17th instrumental and vocal repertoire forms a solid background for the study and historical context of later composers such as J.S. Bach and his contemporaries.

Many years of working together have produced a 'house style' that is consistent and well thought-out through a combination of experimentation with historical techniques and experience. This style is as clearly communicated in the workshop situation as it is from the platform. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 17, 2008 | Hits: 337

" Using historic instruments, the professional musicians of the Ensemble recreate the unique characteristics of style and musical expression known to the composers of the Renaissance, Baroque and Classic eras. The Long Island Baroque Ensemble is committed to authentically duplicating the sounds and ambiance of times gone by." See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 10, 2008 | Hits: 336

"Sacramento Baroque Soloists, founded in 2001, is Sacramento's own baroque music ensemble. World-class musicians from in and around Sacramento perform our concerts with the artistry and professionalism one expects in our growing community, playing Baroque music with enthusiasm polished with historical knowledge. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Sep 14, 2008 | Hits: 336

" The MadriGALS are an enchanting a cappella trio who sing the music of the Renaissance with beauty, elegance-and an irrepressible sense of fun. Three very different women, the GALS bring an eclectic range of vocal backgrounds to their ensemble, including opera, folk, jazz and musical theatre. But the unity in this diversity is their common background in theatre, which leads them to approach Renaissance music from the point of view of its stories and history, for the human richness embedded in the music. " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 23, 2008 | Hits: 335

"Formed in The Hague in 2004, the members of LOTUS have been working together since 2001 as students of the Royal Conservatoire.

Its repertoire consists of pieces from the 17th and 18th Centuries originally written for recorder and harpsichord or continuo and, when suitable and historically justifiable, transcriptions of works from that period originally written for other instruments.

The observation of sound stylistics and historical performance practices and a lively rendition of the music mark their presentation."

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Added on: Apr 27, 2008 | Hits: 335

"In 1602, Giulio Caccini, the noted Italian composer and singer, wrote that the main aim of the composer and performer is to “stir the passions of the soul (muovere l’affetto dell’anima)”. Sparked by that thought, harpsichordist Lionel Party founded La Mela di Newton, a dynamic trio featuring Mr. Party and the dazzling artists Jonathan Keren (violin) and Ira Givol (cello).

La Mela di Newton performs the great Baroque repertoire in a style uniquely its own, bringing forth aspects of manuscripts that have been passed over for centuries, infusing timeless masterpieces with a fresh and powerful interpretation. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 06, 2008 | Hits: 335

Early music ensemble. Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 22, 2009 | Hits: 335

"The Hilliard Ensemble is considered to be one of the world's finest vocal chamber groups, and is probably unrivalled for its formidable reputation in the fields of both early and new music. Its distinctive style and highly developed musicianship engage the listener as much in medieval and renaissance repertoire as in works specially written for the group by living composers. The ensemble's performing schedule is busy and varied, amounting to some hundred concerts a year. Its substantial following in Europe, particularly in Mediterranean and central European countries, is augmented by regular visits to Japan, the USA and Canada. The group’s reputation as an early music ensemble dates from the 1980s and its series of highly successful records for EMI (many of which are now re-released on Virgin), but from the start the group has paid equal attention to new music ..."

Added on: Apr 13, 2007 | Hits: 333

"The Dittamondo Ensemble was born of the meeting of some Venetian Musicians interested in ancient music for brass.

The group’s purpose is to spread the music literature of the late Renaissance and of the Baroque when the trumpets, the kettledrums, the organs were the protagonists of a seldom performed nonetheless very interesting and sonorously attractive repertory. Aiming to recreate the ancient trumpets and kettledrums guilds’ atmosphere the group performs with a number of 4-8 trumpets, kettledrums and organ or with the strings or with voices. The performances respects the traditional music practice of the period; they are introduced by an interesting historical and technical background when necessary.

The instruments played by the musicians are copies which faithfully reproduce the originals.

All the group’s members are professional musicians and they won national and international competitions and they deal with different music branches: their artistic work ranges along lasting or unsettled collaborations with famous orchestras (Arena di Verona, La Fenice di Venezia, Orchestra Haydn di Trento e Bolzano, I Virtuosi Italiani, Orchestra del Teatro Olimpico di Vicenza, Orchestra Filarmonia di Udine), solo performances, chamber concerts and teaching experiences in Academies of music and music institutes.

The Ensemble was requested by famous ancient music festivals, in Italy (Musica Antica a Magnano, Festival Lodoviciano, TrentoMusicAntica, Soli Deo Gloria, Festival SeicentoNovecento, Echi Lontani, Karalis Antiqua Musica, Festival della Basilica dei Frari di Venezia), Switzerland and Germany. The ensemble recorded the Compact Disc Alio Modo edited by Velut Luna; the CD collects the most expressive - in ensemble’s opinion - natural trumpet passages written between the XVII and the XVIII centuries and the national and international specialised printing appreciated it a lot. Moreover, the ensemble is going to record a DVD for a japanese label. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Jun 29, 2008 | Hits: 333

"Pursuant to its mission to reclaim early music for contemporary audiences, Ensemble Voltaire presents engaging concerts of Baroque chamber music. Gifted musicians, skilled in playing period instruments, bring their rich understanding of the repertoire and culture of the period to bear on each time-bridging performance. At ease with today's audiences, Ensemble Voltaire brings the Baroque period to life with story and even humor, subtly surrounding the listener with the cultural context from which the music emerges."

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Added on: Apr 15, 2007 | Hits: 332

"Early music ensemble "Drolls" was established in 1999. The o­nly field of activity of the ensemble is western European music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

OUR CREDO:
The majority of people consider the Middle Ages to be the gloomy time of inquisition fires or the world of fantasy with the traditional set of elfs and dragons.

It is the contribution of courses of history and Hollywood movies. We chose another path.

We don't depict people of the past; it is impossible, because we are surrounded by other religions. We practice the following principle: during the last centuries the mankind has changed, but the Man has remained unchangeable. The Man still loves and has fun as eight centuries ago.

It is possible to feel the still living past by means of music. The music, which has been historical, unfairly forgotten and depreciatingly put off. We strive for proof and prove this principle by every our performance. We are always glad and happy when our creative work awakes response by different audience: from specialists to unsophisticated audience. It serves as the doubtless evidence of the fact that we are o­n the right way. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Mar 12, 2008 | Hits: 332

"Anima’s early music performances are fresh, sincere, joyous and powerful. Since 2005, Anima’s concerts have soothed and delighted audiences, with thematically-based programs that connect today’s listeners with the music of 400 years ago.

Soprano Beth Anne Hatton, violinist Vita Wallace, viola da gambist and lirone player Motomi Igarashi and harpsichordist Barbara Weiss form Anima’s heart, which expands to include such kindred spirits as harpist Christa Patton, violinists Marika Holmqvist, and Dongmyung Ahn, and reader R. Nemo Hill. Anima's approachable virtuosity is joyful, highly expressive and provocative. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Aug 06, 2008 | Hits: 332

“Ensemble Phoebus Amsterdam was founded in 1996 by students of Bob van Asperen, Marten Root and Wouter Möller. The ensemble followed a special old-music course in France, organized by UNESCO and received lessons from Chiara Banchini and Barthold Kuijken. ..“

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Added on: Jul 14, 2009 | Hits: 332

"The Elyma Ensemble is made up of singers and instrumentialists specialising in Latin music of the Renaissance and the Baroque period, and has long been active in the rediscovery of early Latin American music. It has also gained international recognition for its interpretation of 17th century italian compositions.

Founded in Geneva in 1981, The Elyma Ensemble continues to be based there and is directed by its founder, Gabriel Garrido ... "

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Added on: Jul 15, 2008 | Hits: 331

“Ensemble Mediolanum was founded in 1999 by Sabine Ambos, Felix Koch and Wiebke Weidanz with the aim of conveying the expressive and versatile power of early music.“ (Google transl.) Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 27, 2009 | Hits: 331

“Nuada is a duo/trio playing Celtic, Folk and Early music.

Nuada are...

• Ruth Bramley -- Hurdy gurdy, vocals, guitar, banjo, Appalachian dulcimer and percussion.
• Sam Burke -- Vocals, bouzouki, guitar, laud, percussion, chalmeaux, lute and crumhorn.
• Ferris Jay -- Bagpipes, recorders, flutes, whistles, gemshorn, ocarina and vocals.

Nuada... the Duo

• Sam and Ferris, playing a wide range of traditional Irish, Celtic and Folk music.

Nuada... the Trio

• has more emphasis on the French, Folk and Early music. ..“

Added on: Jul 29, 2009 | Hits: 331

"We devise and perform historical music, dance and spectacle for all occasions, specialising in the Elizabethan and Jacobean masque. We can provide anything from a small group of musicians to a stage full of lavishly costumed dancers and actors, and take pride in creating an event which is tailored to your needs. We also have a wealth of experience in the fields of heritage and education, creating unforgettable performances and workshops based on detailed historical research, and taking 'living history' into schools. We enjoy sharing our passion for history with the public. Our musicians tour regularly, and have recorded two cds, Gallimaufry, and the new release Christmas Music in Shakespeare's England. These are available in our shop, where you can also listen to clips. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 15, 2008 | Hits: 330

"Capella Alamire was formed in 1984 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for the purpose of exploring the repertoire of the Renaissance. The word Alamire is a solmization term for the pitch A, sung as la, mi, or re; it was also the pseudonym of a Flemish music scribe employed by the Habsburg court at the beginning of the 16th century in the region of present-day Belgium and northern France, an area that produced many of the greatest composers and singers of the time. In the first twelve years the ensemble performed some 28 programs in over 100 concerts. The majority of these have been centered on repertoire by Franco-Flemish composers: Josquin DesPrez (Missae De beata Virgine, Malheur me bat, L'ami baudechon), Johannes Ockeghem (Missae L'homme armé, Fors seulement, Cuiusvis toni), Antoine Busnoys, Pierre de la Rue, Heinrich Isaac, and Nicholas Gombert. Capella Alamire has released six CD recordings to date, including one through Titanic Records (Motets, 1992), and two through Dorian Discovery (The Early Josquin, 1995, and Three Masses by Ockeghem, 1997), and our latest one through Naxos (Gombert, 2006). " See website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Feb 10, 2008 | Hits: 329