Need some birdsong in your life? The best moment from this past weekend's "L'Allegro" concerts was definitely this aria. You (sadly) can't go back and hear Joelle and Joe on this fantastic duet, but here's an excellent recording!
Salamone Rossi: Sonata quarta sopra l'aria die Ruggiero
I have a very nerdy obsession with variations on a ground, and this boisterous set by Salamone Rossi was a perfect way to start the week. Sending gratitude to all my Jewish friends, and may your fast be easy.
Purcell's Rondeau
One theme, many points of recognition! Early Music people recognize this as the Rondeau from the incidental music Purcell wrote for the play Abdelazer. Modern orchestral players know it as the theme from Benjamin Britten's "A Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra". (Theater people know Abdelazer as one of the works of Aphra Behn, one of the first English women to earn a living by her writing, but they may or may not know the suite by Purcell...)
Lo, how a Rose
After a week with True Concord singing "Lo, how a Rose" in 5 beautiful concerts, I had to share my favorite instrumental version from Praetorius' Dances from Terpsichore by Voices of Music!
Dances from Terpsichore
This week’s Early Music Monday looks at once of my perennial favorites - Michael Praetorius - and Terpsichore, his fantastic collection of instrumental dances. Read more about the collection here, and then check out this fantastic video from Voices of Music!