Meet Harriett Abrams! She studied with Thomas Arne, who composed an opera specifically for her. She participated in festivals of Handel's music, and Haydn accompanied her on the piano! She also composed her own pieces, and appeared in concerts organized by Johann Peter Salomon.
Salvator mundi
John Blow was Henry Purcell's teacher and had a tremendous career in sacred music, including positions in the Chapel Royal, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, and St. Margarets Westminster. I came across his "Salvator Mundi" setting yesterday and had to share!
Tye: Sub tuam protectionem
Sometimes you just need to listen to some gorgeous Tye (courtesy of Cinquecento)!
Sara Levy
It's the time of year when questions about Bach and anti-semitism (rightfully) swirl and answers are in short supply. By way of adding to the chaos, meet Sara Levy - a Jewish harpsichordist who studied with one of Bach's sons, was great-aunt to Felix Mendelssohn, and was instrumental in ensuring the legacy of the Bach family.
Mendelssohn's Bach Revival
Mendelssohn gets a lot of credit for reviving interest in the music of Bach. So... what did he actually do? And what does that mean for the rest of us who try to revive music from hundreds of years ago?
Tye Peterhouse Mass
How about some juicy English polyphony for this snowy Monday?
Bach - Badinerie
One of Michael's books plays snippets of several pieces by J.S. Bach (because of course it does). This one always gets him off his feet and dancing!
Ave Maria - Mouton
I came across this gorgeous piece by Jean Mouton last week, and it was just what this Monday needed.
Reconstructing Music
Have you ever wondered what happens when certain parts of a piece of music are lost? Check out this fantastic explanation from Early Music Sources, and remember the most important part: "... a reconstructor should have skills similar to those a composer from the relevant period would have had."
Niche Humor
Matthew: “Now here’s some very niche humor…”
Me: “Oh! Send it to me!”
Matthew: “For #EarlyMusicMonday ?”