Features
Articles
Our curated collection of essays on all aspects of early music and historically-informed performance, insights into innovation, and new composition for early instruments.
![Sounds Historical in Banbury Sounds Historical in Banbury](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/1mcgy6On4kK6AlaaY0bPp3/29170bd455f0a12482395c18a822083a/091A2429.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Sounds Historical in Banbury
Sounds Historical share the inspiration behind their performance "600 Years!," a programme featuring 38 instruments, from Hildegard von Bingen to Haydn.
![The Other Chandos Anthems The Other Chandos Anthems](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/7hrd58BK2sFXcS9q2fs5eL/9810009d4a832b7dd74740bf33b3c1c3/Sammy_and_Nick_Todd.jpeg?w=1200&h=750&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
The Other Chandos Anthems
The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen explore forgotten Baroque music, supported by Continuo Foundation, releasing CDs and performing across Europe.
![Sarah Jeffery Sarah Jeffery](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/1LWpYwqd4aNy1WEHcbcB7n/cfa75acf612343757da0a75e2b72d410/SarahJeffery13col.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Sarah Jeffery
Continuo Connect meets Sarah Jeffery, recorder superstar and founder of YouTube sensation Team Recorder.
![Luke Styles Answers Carissimi Luke Styles Answers Carissimi](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/571Ld4NoM6ZvK2kHLPypdy/5f38da1e1e52a8abe3cb9c4d6f3e01c2/Luke_Styles_Headshot_Extended-topaz-sharpen.png?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Luke Styles Answers Carissimi
Early music's success sparks modern creativity. Luke Styles' "Jephthah's Daughter" reimagines a dark tale, blending Baroque elements with contemporary flair.
![Echoes of Vauxhall: A Musical Renaissance Echoes of Vauxhall: A Musical Renaissance](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/3RmYabriuNAs7gpHaLTIYV/566f1d3c87f52fbe393793ba517b36c6/image-from-rawpixel-id-9492070-jpeg.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Echoes of Vauxhall: A Musical Renaissance
London’s history of lost opportunities, from Wren’s unfulfilled plans to Vauxhall’s decline, sees a ray of light with the emergence of The Vauxhall Band.
![Angell’s Musick in Mortall’s Dresse Angell’s Musick in Mortall’s Dresse](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/1skkQgcXXi0DvxuANVTjiR/c73da4f9741cf3c1b3a0eecd054bcd3f/default_2439d7fb-6523-4f24-b5c5-54b818c6a4ac__1_.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Angell’s Musick in Mortall’s Dresse
John Wilson, a prominent baroque composer, rose from humble beginnings to significant fame. Matthew Spring of ensemble Galliarda explores his enduring legacy.
![Sons of England: Purcell, Handel, Sancho Sons of England: Purcell, Handel, Sancho](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/4UqEWThZ4phTMJDRsVZxDg/a7f47b61d31685e24b8f1f27719e5bdb/07_Songs_of_England_credit_Portrait_of_Ignatius_Sancho_by_Thomas_Gainsborough.jpeg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Sons of England: Purcell, Handel, Sancho
The Academy of Ancient Music performs a Roderick Williams commission alongside music by three very different "sons of England": Purcell, Handel, and Sancho
![Reginald Mobley: Countertenor Reginald Mobley: Countertenor](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/vaHVUm9hQQOMcdUeHRpEM/a02d64c034825ec63ed4ebc0b0a19a91/MOBLEY_reginald_3._Richard_Dumas.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Reginald Mobley: Countertenor
Internationally acclaimed countertenor Reginald Mobley talks to Continuo Connect about being an artist of colour in early music, his inspirations and passions.
![Davina Clarke and ‘The Art of Obligato’ Davina Clarke and ‘The Art of Obligato’](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/6ZvmmRqMlLBBdtmebGXein/5710759e62a3b3f140bd467210f96a44/Davina_20Clarke-25_2F07_2F2023-18_3A37_3A18.png?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Davina Clarke and ‘The Art of Obligato’
Continuo Connect recently sat down with Davina Clarke to talk about recording Handel, Bach, and her exploration of the world of ‘obligato’.
![The Excellence of Women The Excellence of Women](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/6nHzI5VzpBlfse0utaP697/bb6f21984ced0ea3c12f52e0dddb380d/Fieri_183FA2E7-8D5A-43A8-843D-B76697F00EE3_1_201_a.jpeg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
The Excellence of Women
The fascinating discovery of a lost part of Maddalena Casulana's virtuoso book of five-voice madrigals has enabled a new recording by Fieri Consort
![Handel Hendrix House Handel Hendrix House](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/4Qesdzpszqrv12xyClzeW2/012cab801c99f63c52f891085e0461ae/Screenshot_2024-04-16_145152.jpeg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Handel Hendrix House
Handel & Hendrix House cares for and presents the London homes of Baroque composer G.F. Handel and rock legend Jimi Hendrix.
![The celebrated Distins The celebrated Distins](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/2CinMAF2rJnRazqfH0rHJb/a6a7ddf14593113de23ebcf804a45f98/13567292_1737597506511689_2086546663753797195_n.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
The celebrated Distins
The story of how one family transformed music in the 19th century and shaped the world of brass music today.
![On A Personal Note On A Personal Note](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/1uPdyycfcRAt7oyA3kO2NJ/b58518bb34da097bf39935f090009c51/JaneGordon_FRONT.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
On A Personal Note
Violinist Jane Gordon shares her thoughts about her relationship with historical performances and the ‘new' sound world centred around the fortepiano.
![The King's Playlist The King's Playlist](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/4xrsotjHgwkvZs7KhOuG0G/591764a664e2a257ced6c4007498fabd/image0.jpeg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
The King's Playlist
Ensemble Molière present their debut album, ‘The King’s Playlist’, a musical day in the life of King Louis XIV.
![The Ghost in the Machine The Ghost in the Machine](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/3ZwzxHoCzopa1Jhuf0a95c/bfa0faf35dba296e0a358a7c1e37f35c/The_Ghost_in_the_Machine.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
The Ghost in the Machine
What information can musical machines provide about 'live' performers from the past, and what influence can this have on our modern HIP practice?
![Peter Whelan Introduces… Peter Whelan Introduces…](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/6W4bc0pyvLJdnPN0QSkSvm/8c64acf5c0070f2907dbd37ffb32267b/Peter_Whelan_image003_crop.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Peter Whelan Introduces…
Continuo Connect recently caught up with conductor, music director, harpsichordist, and bassoonist Peter Whelan.
![Early Music? Early Food? Early Music? Early Food?](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/1lLY9WFhPpAsklBGbTEWTW/52f0ea23a5d8b0371f5d3d2fd869fc82/John_Nott_2.jpeg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Early Music? Early Food?
Step into the world of culinary history with Michelle Berriedale-Johnson, food historian and dynamic host of Salon Music concerts.
![London International Festival of Early Music - Online Concerts London International Festival of Early Music - Online Concerts](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/1Drvqwt8IX9j88ICa8EF0u/4f43ce5088bee18a8b0d86fc52c11c56/LIFEM_LOGO_2023.png?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
London International Festival of Early Music - Online Concerts
Re-live LIFEM 2023's highlights: with performances from Erik Bosgraaf & the Wrocław Baroque Orchestra's, Jane Chapman and The OAE Experience Scheme Ensemble.
![Meet the family Meet the family](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/7K9LMdDiC7KAbrtAWLuKUa/803b05e5dc4c76bce3a223e56f515424/Screenshot_2024-02-15_at_12.01.26.png?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Meet the family
Finn Collinson, the Recorder Specialist at The Early Music Shop introduces the recorder family, highlighting their role in shaping early music.
![Roxanna Panufnik: Officially Kooky Roxanna Panufnik: Officially Kooky](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/5uGQZVgwGqWAlV21la3uQR/e3d7089476a44e5e380085742502e340/Roxana_Panufnik.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Roxanna Panufnik: Officially Kooky
Composer Roxanna Panufnik explains how several recent commissions for prominent early music specialists seek to evoke and shed light on the past.
![Sir Roger Norrington Sir Roger Norrington](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/2E8UtxGsrmBqceAIF09wAn/74b0940a58907a998ffadbf246c32ae9/roger-norrington14_c1_manfredesser-pZaxF1dm4-transformed.jpeg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Sir Roger Norrington
A landmark interview with one of the leading pioneers of early music, the conductor Sir Roger Norrington.
![Musick in Manchester Musick in Manchester](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/76enI6J3230D3HExrEtiUE/83fd733335f4d686cc911003ae413b1a/MB_Resized.png?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Musick in Manchester
The story of Manchester Baroque's reconstruction of Manchester's first public concerts in 1744-45, presented by Dr Pauline Nobes.
![Baroque X Jazz: reimagining the trio sonata Baroque X Jazz: reimagining the trio sonata](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/obhcHvLJQHNdVtVf85CZA/5f0f958f0710c1fdaaac270c6daa3990/LITURINA._ECOS_2022._LA_CHOLEPA-1.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Baroque X Jazz: reimagining the trio sonata
Liturina’s work with jazz musician and composer Jonny Mansfield forges a new path for historical performance through genre crossover.
From Library to Stage
Dr Pauline Nobes shares some of the detective work involved with Manchester Baroque's ‘Musick’ in Manchester 1744/45 programme
![The Battle of the Organs The Battle of the Organs](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/1em2ZTQqnydeDCnCcyCcNq/6f630cc86cd3a254ebda16d4c7382399/DSC01677-1920w.webp?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
The Battle of the Organs
“Celestial Music did the Gods Inspire” brings to life the extraordinary story of the Battle of the Organs.
Reaching back and looking forward
Composer James Batty and his ensemble The Picardy Players are picking up where Italian musicians of the past left off - and exploring Renaissance microtonality.
![How African Musicians Came to Medieval and Renaissance Europe How African Musicians Came to Medieval and Renaissance Europe](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/2QRCP7u7sw89eDtJipKHQV/3da194cd671bfd93d1bb1a1e0bda6260/tournament-roll.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
How African Musicians Came to Medieval and Renaissance Europe
Ted Gioia tells how an African trumpeter ended up in Tudor England - and how Western music has always been multicultural.
![The story of the love:Handel festival The story of the love:Handel festival](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/3AQ3YyNaEUxse75il0MTDG/e2094bbe355d80d6296bf11f8f583857/brookstreetband-266_medium-1-.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
The story of the love:Handel festival
The story of the love:Handel festival, as told to Continuo Connect by Brook Street Band founder Tatty Theo.
![The mystery of Bach’s “unicorn” The mystery of Bach’s “unicorn”](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/6wbEyT7zRVMiuH8bUm1Y2Y/7822cb53f46ea46585f7a42038374832/Anneke_Scott_with_her_corno_da_tirarsi.jpeg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
The mystery of Bach’s “unicorn”
A good mystery always intrigues - and when the mystery is set for us by none other than Johann Sebastian Bach, who can resist?
![First Encounters First Encounters](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/1qVhB4fHBfKfx631LbQKA1/e5c271a838cd4a5550fc00dddeb5fc35/Vermeer_-_Girl_reading_a_letter_at_a_window__Dresden__2021_Cupid_restoration.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
First Encounters
First Encounters - musical journeys between Europe and Asia from the dawn of the global world, by Yeo Yat-Soon, founder and director of Divertissements Chinois.
![Bach, Handel, and a Greek hero's choice Bach, Handel, and a Greek hero's choice](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/1JhtvYFuj7RDXP3zTLqWbJ/fb5b1de603ca8c17b5cd63901ef0a715/Pompeo_batoni_-_Hercules_at_the_crossroads.jpeg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Bach, Handel, and a Greek hero's choice
Listening to the Christmas Oratorio’s sublime lullaby for the infant Christ, 'Schlafe mein Liebster’, you might be surprised to discover the music's origins...
![Graft, galleries, and genre-busting: the endless possibilities of the recorder Graft, galleries, and genre-busting: the endless possibilities of the recorder](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/3Pmru2sK0K0KV7Pe9kaBuY/90992d9b3e1a56b11c07aa43590e1a4a/407ecd2fe9f158909b19e43bf22b50ac.jpg?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Graft, galleries, and genre-busting: the endless possibilities of the recorder
What do the Mandalorian and the Beatles have in common? Recorder player Heidi Fardell will tell you, and more, as she writes about her life and career in music.
![Discovering Baroque treasures with Will Russell and Spiritato Discovering Baroque treasures with Will Russell and Spiritato](https://images.ctfassets.net/dittccn4etc2/6RDIPPEmvfKrfXv0Iqkntk/0c8b4a272423c99cd269e311ccd28534/William_20Russell-21_2F01_2F2023-10_3A05_3A20.png?w=1200&h=1200&fit=fill&f=face&fm=avif&q=75)
Discovering Baroque treasures with Will Russell and Spiritato
Will Russell, founder of Spiritato and champion of less well-known Baroque music, shares insights into their musical adventures and discoveries.