Week of March 15

A Purcell Celebration, Part 1

Harmonia celebrates the music of Henry Purcell, one of England’s greatest composers. A look as his small-scale compositions will include his pieces for keyboard, music for string ensembles, and his songs… plus, a recent release by Swiss baroque cellist Martin Zeller. (Repeat from August 2009) Listen here

Week of March 22

The Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra… Live!

Barthold Kuijken, artistic director of the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra, joins Harmonia this week to explore music from a recent performance by the orchestra. Entitled “The Nations,” the program includes music by Lully, Bach, and a little-known flute concerto by Vivaldi. Bart Kuijken also performs in a recent Accent label release of music by Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sons. (Repeat from August 2009) Listen here

Week of March 29

Medieval Instruments

Instruments from the middle ages are not likely to evoke pleasant thoughts unless it concerns ones of a musical variety. This week, Harmonia gets medieval on you in a tour of the typical instruments of the period—the vielle, recorder, organetto, and the pipe and tabor. La Colombina will also perform in a recent release of music by Tomas Luis de Victoria. (Repeat from August 2009) Listen here

Week of April 5

A Purcell Celebration, pt. 2

The exploration of Henry Purcell’s music continues this week on Harmonia with a look at the large-scale works for church, court, and theater. Performances of anthems, odes, and music from his operas are all heard in addition to a recent Plectra label release of J.S. Bach’s complete harpsichord concertos. (Repeat from September 2009) Listen here

Week of April 12

Highlights from the 2009 Bloomington Early Music Festival, pt. 1

This week Harmonia samples the many concerts from the 2009 Bloomington Early Music Festival, including performances by Hesperus, fortepianist Shuann Chai, L’AURA, and Chatham Baroque. The Aulos Ensemble will perform excerpts from their recent release of arrangements from Rameau operas. (Repeat from September 2009) Listen here

Week of April 19

Highlights from the 2009 Bloomington Early Music Festival, pt. 2

Harmonia’s tour of the 2009 Bloomington Early Music Festival continues this week with performances by Nigel North, the co-winners of the Early Music Institute Recital Prize (Antonio Santos and Maho Sone), ensemble Sacabuche, and Fenix de los Ingenios… plus a recent release of music from the baroque. (Repeat from September 2009) Listen here

Week of April 26

Celtic Music/Early Music

Traditional music from Ireland and Scotland is heard this week on Harmonia, but with a twist… all of the performers are early music specialists. Special attention will be given to the viola da gamba, pardessus de viole, and baroque cello. Jordi Savall will perform in a recent release entitled “The Celtic Viol.” (Repeat from September 2009) Listen here

Week of May 3

Handel in Hanover, Düsseldorf, and London

This week, Harmonia continues to explore George Frideric Handel’s music through the many places in which he which lived, including his compositions for German patrons, London audiences, and a royal boat trip down the Thames. The Norwegian ensemble Bergen Barokk will perform in their latest release of cantatas by Telemann. (Repeat from October 2009) Listen here

Week of May 10

Music for the Freemasons: Haydn and Mozart

The fraternal organization known as Freemasonry is explored on Harmonia this week with a particular focus on the music of two 18th-century composers who were also Masons-Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart… plus a recent release of J.S. Bach’s sonatas for viola da gamba. (Repeat from October 2009) Listen here

Week of May 17

Thoinot Arbeau’s “Orchésographie”

This week, Harmonia explores the most important French dance manual of the Late Renaissance, which includes advice for dancing, fencing, and proper etiquette for men. Piffaro and The Crossing perform in the world premiere recording of Kile Smith’s “Vespers.” (Repeat from October 2009) Listen here

Week of May 24

Saints and Martyrs

The lives of Christian saints are the focus on Harmonia this week with a special look at how their deeds are depicted in music …plus a recent release of choral works by Jean Mouton. (Repeat from October 2009) Listen here

Week of May 31

Great Musicians Series: Kate Clark

Our great musicians series continues this week with Australian flutist Kate Clark. Find out how she started playing the baroque and Renaissance flutes, as well as hear her perform music of the French baroque, C.P.E. Bach, and various works with her Renaissance flute ensemble, The Attaignant Consort. Organist Annette Richards performs works by Melchior Schildt in a recent Loft Recordings release. (Repeat from November 2009) Listen here

Week of June 7

Cornucopia

This week, Harmonia looks at the cornucopia, an ancient symbol for the harvest, fertility, and giving thanks. Music from the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and early America will be explored in addition to a new Focus label release of works for horn and strings entitled “Cornucopia II.” (Repeat from November 2009) Listen here

Week of June 14

The Countertenor, pt. 1

The countertenor voice is one of the more unique sounds heard in early music. This week, Harmonia explores the countertenor in recordings from the 1960s onwards. Part one will include performances by the pioneers alongside the second generation. Violinist Adrian Butterfield will perform in a new Naxos label release of Jean-Marie Leclair’s first book of violin sonatas. (Repeat from November 2009) Listen here

Week of June 21

Highlights from the 2009 Indianapolis Early Music Festival

This week, Harmonia explores the 2009 Indianapolis Early Music Festival, including performances by Ex Umbris, Reconstruction, Harmonious Blacksmith, and the Peabody Consort. Plus a new release by Ensemble 415. (Repeat from December 2009) Listen here

Week of June 28

EMA Medieval/Renaissance Competition

Early Music America’s 3rd Medieval/Renaissance Competition is featured with performances by Ensemble Alkemia, Musica Fantasia, and Plaine & Easie. The final round programs include music of the Spanish and English Renaissance, as well as 14th Century Italy. Ensemble Zefiro will perform in a new release of Handel and Telemann’s “Water Music.” (Repeat from December 2009) Listen here