The Brabant Ensemble, known for exploring lesser known choral works from the 16th century, has released another strong album with some familiar names and several that come as a revelation, with Sebastian Ertel’s stunning ‘Aeterno laudanda choro’ among them.
The Imagined Life Journey of a Monk, in Music Read More »
In colonial New Spain, villancios were a poetic and musical tool for religious instruction and conversion. Across the centuries, the form was shaped to appeal to a broad audience, as fun music for Christmas. Colombian ensemble Música Ficta’s latest release is a musical and scholarly delight.
Teaching Through Delight: the Villancicos of Bogotá Read More »
The world premiere recording of ‘Venus y Adonis’ by José de Nebra, shows the composer as one of the great masters of the Spanish Baroque. He blends the Italianate opera styles prevalent in his day with the seguidilla, the fandango, and, at his best, a rare melodic gift.
Love and Jealousy from the Spanish Baroque Read More »
The eclectic ensemble Magdalena, its members trained in historical performance, explored their broad interests at last year’s EMA Emerging Artists’ Showcase concert. From Irish sean-nós folk singing to a Renaissance dance suite, their program explored music associated with historical women named Magdalena.
Showcasing ‘The Women of Magdala’ Read More »
The Ospedale di Santo Spirito, a hospital, orphanage, and charitable institution in Rome (founded in 1198), entwined worlds of religion, music, and therapeutic care. Although regulated by the Catholic Church, the hospital was also responsive to cultural and scientific changes.
Music and Healing at a Rome Ospedale Read More »
