At the 2024 EMA Summit, countertenor Michael Walker II, viol player Philip Spray, and Alchymy Viols gave a presentation called ‘Deep River.’ One day, while rehearsing a famous spiritual, writes Walker, ‘it reminded me of the viola da gamba in its ability to convey both sadness and joy.’
Deep River Spirituals: America’s ‘Broken Consort’ Songs Read More »
Medieval ensemble Trobár celebrates women in 14th and 15th c. song, centered on poet Christine de Pizan and her musical circles, including (male) composers who are now famous, obscure or anonymous. It’s a “he said/she said” dialogue on love, equality, and courtly virtues.
He Said/She Said in French Courtly Love Read More »
Countless works, preserved only in partbooks, remain unheard to modern ears because one or more of the books are lost. Now Jacob Obrecht’s Mass on the ‘Scaramella’ tune has been completed with best-guess scholarship and recorded by the outstanding Binchois Consort.
Missing Obrecht Partbooks, a Gap Now Filled Read More »
REMA, the European Early Music Network, has launched a survey to learn how the global early-music sector has adapted and evolved in 2024, from finances to programming. Although most REMA members are in Europe, some are North American-based, and the survey is open to everyone in the field and responses are anonymous.
Take REMA/Early Music in Europe’s New Survey Read More »
The Butter Quartet, who met as students at the Royal Conservatory of the Hague, released their debut recording with ‘Scintilla: Early Italian String Quartets.’ In buoyant, impeccable playing, they capture the galant spirit of music by Pugnani, Boccherini, Lombardini Sirmen, and Giardini. Excellent performances of attractive, varied repertoire.
The Butter Quartet, Spreading Love of the Galant Read More »
