Handel's "Messiah" is beloved now (especially this time of year), but when it first premiered the librettist, Charles Jennens, was so irritated with what Handel had done that he swore he would not give him another libretto. Read more about the relationship between Handel and Jennens here!
Early notation
There's always something new (or in this case old) to discover!
New flute music
New (old) music for flute! I love reading about discoveries of new repertoire, including this collection from Marais!
Musicians of the Tensho Embassy
Kudos to my friends in Lyracle for their excellent research and sensitive handling of this incredible story!
Her Story
I hadn't heard about Anne Louise Brillon de Jouy (and I bet you hadn't either). Let's talk about why!
The Judgement of Paris
Somewhere in English music history between Purcell and Handel, John Weldon won a competition for his setting of "The Judgement of Paris". Never heard of it? (I hadn't). Now you have!
Greensleeves - the clothing
In the early music world, we often spend time exploring non-musical sources to give us clues about the role of music in different times. But the inverse is also true! Check out this fun video exploring what the song "Greensleeves" can tell us about historical clothing!
Indigenous Music
Check out this wonderful story of the early music world intersecting with cultural understanding and research!
St. Anne
Another hymn tune that finds its way into classical composition is St. Anne (known to many as "O God, our help in ages past"). Bach, Handel, Buxtehude, Vaughan Williams, and others all found inspiration in William Croft's tune.
Lutheran Chorales: Christ lag in Todesbanden
Let's talk about (Christian) hymn singing as seen through the history of "Christ lag in Todesbanden"! Chant wasn't the only basis for sacred musical composition - the Lutheran chorales (some of which were based on chant) inspired both vocal and instrumental works as well as uniting congregations for many centuries!