Barokkbandið Brák’s multifaceted artistic vision is the real deal. The Icelandic period-instrument ensemble cultivates a dual-pronged musical practice—Renaissance and Baroque works combined with contemporary commissions. Their playing is refined, their vision thoroughly compelling.
Recording Review: Icelandic Baroque Band Brák, Where HIP is Always in Style Read More »
Billed as the first complete recording of William Byrd’s final work, his ‘Psalmes, Songs, and Sonnets,’ this new release features two outstanding British ensembles, The Sixteen and Fretwork.
Recording Review: William Byrd from The Sixteen and Fretwork Read More »
Voices, viols, virginals, and more. Northwestern’s William Byrd Festival starts this week, a rare chance to hear lectures and performances. We speak with the festival artists and scholars about the versatile composer.
Exploring William Byrd’s Profound Legacy Read More »
The latest recording from the U.K.-based ensemble Spiritato highlights sonatas from the Düben Collection, a huge trove of manuscripts used at the Swedish Royal Court from 1640 to 1720 and containing some of the earliest known music to combine strings and trumpets.
Recording Review: Bring That Trumpet in From the Cold Read More »
Rumi’s poetry has received wide attention in recent decades, as has the Sufi order inspired by his poetry. While scholars have devoted attention to the poet himself, its musical ceremony has not been as well studied. This book helps fill that gap.
Book Review: Rumi, Music, and Mysticism from the Ottomans Read More »
