Research about Isabella Leonarda led me to this amazing piece!
Higher Ed Early Music Programs
Years ago, it was this listing of Higher Ed Early Music Programs that helped me find the path I'm on now! Know someone who is looking for opportunities to study/perform Early Music in college or grad school? Have them check out this list!
Blessed are those that be undefiled
THIS PIECE. Somehow I've never shared this as part of my Early Music Monday series, and it's time. This is the piece that started my love of polyphony. Eighteen-year-old me nearly drove off the road when the "Gloria" began and I had to pull over and finish listening.
Blessed are those that be undefiled in the way and walk with the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testimonies and seek him with their whole heart, for they that do no wickedness walk in his ways. Thou has charged us, O Lord, that we should diligently keep thy commandments. O that our ways were made so direct that we might keep thy statutes. So shall we not be confounded while we have respect unto all thy commandments. - Psalm 119:1-6
Domine quis habitabit
Is anything by Robert Parsons NOT amazing? This beautiful piece has been stuck in my head for over a week now.
New Years Gift
How about a piece for the new year? This galliard was written by Anthony Holborne and given to Queen Elizabeth I.
Gaudete!
Just in time for Christmas - Early Music Sources digs into the story behind Gaudete (and why I sang two different versions of the verse tune in concerts this December)!
Sweelinck Hodie
I first learned this piece in college and was reminded of it for a concert earlier this month. Sweelinck was an incredible composer and organist from The Netherlands, and now I'm on a quest to sing more of his music!
Piper Through the Meadow
Every year I talk about a dance tune that became a Christmas Carol (Lo how a rose, Ding dong merrily on high), and here's this year's installment featuring some wonderful friends/colleagues of mine!
Praeter rerum seriem
I was introduced to this amazing piece by Vicente Lusitano last week for a concert at the Gardner Museum! Josquin's setting of this text is better known, but this one is GORGEOUS. More Lusitano, please!
Since by man came death
Every time I sing Handel’s Messiah, something else captures my attention. Last year it was “Let all the angels of God” (which is often cut). This year it’s “Since by man came death”!