Jean-Joseph Mouret’s comic ‘Les fêtes de Thalie,’ an opera-ballet, was a hit in early 18th-c. Paris. Now the period-instrument Opera Lafayette, conducted by Christophe Rousset, is set to give its modern premiere, with a production that’s contemporary (and maybe a little zany) in look and choreography.
A Modern Mouret from Opera Lafayette Read More »
Starring Sidney Outlaw in the title role alongside Susanna Phillips, Patrick Carfizzi, and Michelle Bradley BOSTON, MA—Boston Baroque presents a new production of Mozart’s seminal opera, Don Giovanni, with a contemporary take on the classic story of seduction and betrayal. Performances will take place on Thursday, April 25 at 7:30pm, Friday, April 26 at 7:30pm,
Boston Baroque presents Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” Read More »
The modern historical-performance movement now has its own traditions, habits, standard repertoire, and ancestors. For Early Music Month we look into EMA’s online series ‘Trailblazers in Historical Performance.’ As Thomas Forrest Kelly writes, ‘to hear their various stories and learn of their attitudes and experiences was revelatory.’
Learning from Trailblazers in Historical Performance Read More »
The definition of early music is always expanding, and this Early Music Month we look into traditional kora music from West Africa, which predates the European Baroque. Next week, New York’s Music Before 1800 presents Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko and South African guitarist Derek Gripper in recital, an initiative to explore not ‘world music’ but ‘specific niches of historical music that deserve an equal spotlight.’
Mali Before 1800: the Kora Finds its Place in Early Music Read More »
Seven Times Salt’s latest recording revisits music of Shakespeare’s time. Some of the tunes are linked to specific plays — ‘Hamlet’ is a particular fascination — while others are suggestive of a theme or a familiar plotline, from ‘Romeo and Juliet’ to ‘The Merchant of Venice.’ All of it is beautifully delivered, often in charming arrangements. And the sonic engineering makes for a vivid listening experience.
Shakespeare’s Music, Where the Lying is Easy Read More »
Revisit the the 2023 EMA Awards ceremony from the Summit in Boston, recognizing three musicians for their achievements: Lindsey Macchiarella, Arthur Haas, and Ruben Valenzuela and his Bach Collegium San Diego.
Revisit the EMA Awards 2023 for Outstanding Work in Early Music Read More »
Like Monteverdi, Emilio de’ Cavalieri took a ‘seconda pratica’ approach by breaking counterpoint rules to better convey the texts. He also experimented with new styles and techniques, such as dividing a whole-step into more than two pitches. Elam Rotem and his ensemble Profeti della Quinta specialize in this sort of treacherously difficult music to sing, and they deliver Cavalieri’s ‘Lamentations’ with exquisite precision. The effect is a little disorienting and thoroughly mesmerizing.
Celebrating the Microtonal with Cavalieri’s ‘Lamentations’ Read More »
BEMF presents soprano Amanda Forsythe with Opera Prima on February 3 and the quartet Le Consort on February 23, both in Cambridge, MA ARTIST: Opera PrimaAmanda Forsythe, sopranoCristiano Contadin, directorAndrea Inghisciano, cornetto; Mauro Spinazzè, violin; Marta Graziolino, triple harp; Gianluca Geremia, chitarrone; Cristiano Contadin, viola da gamba WHEN: Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 7:30pm ETThe Morgan Library & Museum, 225 Madison Avenue, New
BEMF presents soprano Amanda Forsythe with Opera Prima, and Le Consort Read More »
Playing an exceptional 1806 Broadwood fortepiano, Anders Muskens makes Beethoven’s beloved ‘Waldstein’ and ‘Appassionata’ sonatas sound not just vital and exciting but revolutionary and new.
Revolutionary Beethoven on the Fortepiano Read More »
Even before the ubiquity of Zoom, we were all conditioned to think that in-person musical interactions are always superior to anything online. Always. But what if a musician can’t spend the money or time to connect in person? The author argues that newer technology allows us a more nuanced approach: we can pick solutions that are financially, logistically, and artistically preferable.
Canto: We Have the Technology Read More »
