If you know anything about Robert Parsons, it's probably his "Ave Maria" setting. But how about the rest of his life? He survived the reigns of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I... but still died tragically (and young). Read more below!
Context of Spem
This fantastic video from a few years back does an excellent job putting historical and musical context around Tallis' magnificent "Spem in alium"! Definitely worth the watch to learn more and see the excellent visuals (though I don't think any recording, especially one made from home recordings during covid lockdown, can compete with the incredible experience of hearing or performing this live!
Castello Sonata Prima!
My listening examples are often vocal music (a side effect of being a singer), but what about the development of instrumental solo genres? Early Music Sources takes this on in a fantastic video with shoutouts to Dario Castello and Salomone Rossi!
What's that smell?
Christmas in July! I often post about how many carols are really Baroque or Renaissance (or Medieval) tunes, and this one is no exception (and even includes a Beggar's Opera incarnation).
Brandenburg 5
Some Bach for a summer Monday! This week it's Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 (and dreaming about all the fun concerts coming up next season)!
Lamentations
The service of Tenebrae has been my favorite Holy Week experience since I first experienced it in 2010, though I've never sung any of the exquisite settings of the Lamentations (Dear Universe... *hint*). Check out this awesome video from Early Music Sources about the Lamentations and how Lassus and Cavalieri wrote their settings!
Handel as Orpheus
Let's talk about Handel - not about Messiah - and about how composers are just normal humans (or as normal as anyone else may be).
Revisiting Handel as Orpheus - an interview with Dr. Ellen Harris
Pevernage
Pevernage!! No, seriously. How in my many years of singing Renaissance polyphony have I never sung any of his pieces?
Ut queant laxis
Ever wonder where solfège/solmization syllables come from? The Gregorian chant hymn "Ut queant laxis" for the feast of John the Baptist (June 24th)! Read more here…
Black Early Music
Looking for resources on Black composers and performers this Juneteenth? Here’s a roundup of what I’ve found so far!