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!
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).
Christmas Oratorio
Messiah isn’t the only major musical work done during the Christmas season. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio is made up of 6 cantatas for different major events in the Christmas story, starting on Christmas Day and going all the way through the Epiphany. Read more about it here!
Salty Solstice
Combining Early Music Monday with a little self-promotion... if you're looking for a holiday event that's a bit more relaxed and fun and equal parts old favorites and new excitement, come hear me sing with my dear friends in Seven Times Salt tomorrow! Concerts at 4:30pm and 7:30pm in Newton, and we'd love to see you there! More info available here
Branle de l'officiel
I mentioned last year that "Lo, how a rose" is one of the instrumental movements from Michael Praetorius' "Dances from Terpsichore". This year's Renaissance Tune turned Christmas Carol is "Branle de l'officiel", and how much more fun is it with drums, shawms, and dulcians?!
Ave Maria
Sang this glorious Ave Maria setting by Victoria yesterday and had to find a good recording to share (thanks to The Marian Consort!) What a nice change from the four-voice one!