Harmonia Early Music

Week of January 2

A Musical Tour of Prague

Harmonia tours the musical centers of 17th- and 18th-century Prague. Along the route, we’ll unravel the city’s intricate tradition of liturgical music, revel in instrumental masterworks by Czech natives and foreign visitors, and hear excerpts from operas premiered within the city. We’ll end our journey with a brief visit to 17th-century Leipzig on our featured release, Sacred Music by Sebastian Knüpfer.

Week of January 9

“What do you know, Chalumeau?”

Harmonia explores music for the seldom-heard chalumeau, a predecessor to the clarinet. Plus, we’ll “revisit” some chant from the early Maronite Christian tradition, and hear from a featured release by the Gregorian Ensemble of Notre Dame de Paris. (Repeat of August 29, 2011) LISTEN HERE

Week of January 16

EMA Naxos Recording Competition Finalists

On Harmonia, we’ll hear from the five finalists of the 2011 EMA Naxos Recording Competition, performing music of Giuseppe Sammartini, Johann Schmelzer, Heinrich Biber, and Luigi Rossi. Plus, we’ll hear a performance by the winning ensemble, The Wayward Sisters. We’ll finish the hour with the music of 17th-century Germany performed by the ensemble His Majesties Sagbutts and Cornetts.

Week of January 23

Musica Pacifica Retrospective

On Harmonia, we’ll view ensemble Musica Pacifica in retrospect, honoring the collaboration and achievement of its members. Plus, we’ll learn the history of the medieval and renaissance harp and explore the music of Jesuit missionaries on a featured release by Sphera AntiQva, Mission: Amazon Baroque.

Week of January 30

Renaissance Music in Theory

Harmonia explores renaissance composers championed by music theorists. Some theorists heralded the arrival of new musical eras; others chose to reflect on the musical achievements of past generations and peers. Join us as we look at Renaissance music…in theory. (Repeat of September 5, 2011) LISTEN HERE

Week of February 6

Immortal Beloved

On this special edition of Harmonia, we’re singing love’s praises with sonnets by Petrarch and the Song of Solomon. We’ll also celebrate iconic lovers such as Robin and Marion and see a “return to peace” on a featured release by La Parlement de Musique.

Week of February 13

Two Shadows and a Spotlight

As is true in any profession, there are some composers who rose to the top of the heap during the Renaissance and others that stayed a little below the surface. But that doesn’t mean their music is not worth listening to! On Harmonia, we’ll highlight the music of medieval composer Zacara da Temaro and Renaissance composer Pierre Moulu. In contrast, we’ll also look back at the career of one of the most well-known sopranos of our time, Montserrat Figueras, who passed away in November 2011. Join us.

Week of February 20

Musical Tour of Rome

Join Harmonia for an early music tour of Rome, including some music for the Roman Carnival season. We’ll also sidetrack over to Spain for a visit to the Shrine of Santiago, then head back to Rome in a featured release by The Cardinall’s Musick. (Repeat of September 12, 2011) LISTEN HERE

Week of February 27

REBEL at the 2011 Indianapolis Early Music Festival

Harmonia presents some highlights from this year’s Indianapolis Early Music Festival. We’ll also explore the practice of balancing historical accuracy and creative improvisation in modern medieval performances. And, we’ll hear from a featured release of recorder music by Nina Stern. (Repeat of September 26, 2011) LISTEN HERE