In the 1570s, Venice was devastated by the plague, losing a third of its population. The latest compelling album from the celebrated Concerto Palatino and cornettist Bruce Dickey explores a spiritual sound world from this time of grief and penitence.
Somber Music from the Plague in Venice Read More »
The 12th-c. manuscript of Hildegard’s ‘Scivias’ was lost during WWII, although there’s still a hand-illuminated copy and b&w photographs of the original. These documents help recount Hildegard’s mystical conception of redemptive history as told through scripture, with poetry, vibrant colors, allegory, and music capturing Hildegard’s harmony of the cosmos.
Illuminating Hildegard’s ‘Scivias’ Read More »
‘New Perspectives on Handel’s Music: Essays in Honour of Donald Burrows’ is a brilliant miscellany of fascinating perspectives. The 20 contributors cover the composer’s music and creative practices, his sources and documents, and the context and reception of his hefty body of work.
New Handel Essays, Exciting New Scholarship Read More »
For his latest recording, theorbist Stafano Maiorana imagines two composers from Venice, active 350 years apart — Kapsberger and Ambrosini — in secret conversation in and about about La Serenissima.
Secret Sounds of Venice Read More »
There’s much to learn about period instrument via the sounds they’re capable of making. Composers today are exploring the edges of historical performance practice in fresh and unexpected ways.
Hearing New Sounds from Very Old Instruments Read More »
