Features
Watch & Listen
Immerse yourself in early music through curated playlists, films and features showcasing recorded repertoire.
Cupid’s Ground Bass | Bellot Ensemble
Bellot Ensemble’s debut album, ‘Cupid’s Ground Bass’, captures love’s extremes in the vivid sound-world of 17th-century Italy.
Soler’s Fandango: a new arrangement by the Lowe Ensemble
The Lowe Ensemble performs Antonio Soler's Fandango in an arrangement for strings, harpsichord, baroque guitar, and percussion.
Playlist: Jane Austen at 250
Our latest playlist celebrates the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth with music used in TV adaptations and music she would have played herself.
Gluck Arias | Ann Hallenberg with The Mozartists & Ian Page
Ian Page and The Mozartists’ latest recording for Signum Classics features a programme of Gluck arias sung by celebrated Swedish mezzo-soprano Ann Hallenberg.
Playlist: The Seasons
Journey through musical depictions of the four seasons, from Vivaldi’s best-loved concertos to other seasonal works by Purcell, Guido, Simpson, Haydn and more.
Playlist: The Sacred Baroque
This playlist explores sacred music written during the Baroque period. It includes movements from masses, passions, oratorios and more.
Ricordanze: a record of love | Musica Secreta
On the new release Ricordanze: a record of love, Musica Secreta present a deep exploration of the haunting and extraordinary music of sixteenth-century nuns.
Iberian Echoes: Early Music from Spain
A playlist that explores Baroque & Early Music from Spain, featuring recordings by the Lowe Ensemble, Lux Musicae, Jordi Savall and more...
Playlist: The Lully Operas
This playlist explores Christophe Rousset's and Les Talens Lyriques' discography of operas by Jean-Baptiste Lully.
Playlist: Baroque Dances
A playlist in celebration of the 300th anniversary of the publication of Pierre Rameau’s seminal treatise, ‘Le Maître à danser’.
Ground – Music as sanctuary
Holly Harman introduces her debut solo album, Ground, which pairs music by Biber and Uccellini with new commissions and folk music.
Tra le fiamme | Rowan Pierce with Florilegium & Ashley Solomon
Soprano Rowan Pierce joins forces with Florilegium & Ashley Solomon in ‘Tra le fiamme’, an album featuring secular Baroque cantatas and concertos.
Still Life: Early Baroque Fantasy
Musica d'Outrora release their debut album, ‘Still Life’ on the Deux-Elles label, exploring the radical expressivity of the 17th-century ‘stylus phantasticus’.
Henry Purcell: A Playlist
A playlist to mark the birthday of composer Henry Purcell, featuring some of his greatest hits, from opera to song and music written for English monarchs.
Playlist: The best of Dame Emma Kirkby
A playlist, illustrating the rich career of Continuo Patron, Dame Emma Kirkby, with some of her most beloved recordings.
The Best of Bach Cantatas
A compilation of some of the most beloved movements from Bach’s Cantatas, as well as some lesser-known gems...
Playlist: Baroque Folk
A playlist that explores the crossover between Early Music and Folk Music, through recordings by Barokksolistene, Holly Harman, Irlandiani and many more...
Jewels of the French Baroque
This playlist explores the jewels of French Baroque music, from well-known names such as Rameau and Lully, to rarely-heard gems by lesser known composers.
Music for Viol Consort
This playlist celebrates music for viol consort, including tracks from recordings my Continuo grantee ensembles Linarol Consort, Rose Consort and Fretwork.
Bach Cantatas
A recording celebrating Oxford Bach Soloist's journey with Bach, and an invitation to experience his timeless music
Biber: Violin Sonatas – 1681
Bojan Čičić records Heinrich Biber’s collection of sonatas from 1681 - comprising some of the most ambitious and inventive violin works of the 17th century.
Crossing Borders
La Serenissima return with an album of works by Telemann, Sieber, Durante, and Brescianello – their 11th with Signum Records.
Playlist: Baroque Opera
A playlist that brings together standout arias & orchestral moments from the operas being staged at UK summer opera festivals, plus Continuo-supported albums.
Playlist: The 'Exotic' Baroque
Inspired by The Grange Festival’s upcoming production of Rameau’s Les Indes galantes, our latest playlist explores 'exoticism' in Baroque & Classical periods.
Bellot Ensemble performs Strozzi’s 'Che si può fare'
Bellot Ensemble performs Barbara Strozzi’s Che si può fare, with soprano Lucine Musaelian, at St Mary Le Strand, London.
David Hill: Playlist
David Hill's top early music choices, alongside tracks from his own recordings, to celebrate the conductor's birthday.
If the Fates allow
On her first solo recital for BIS, Gramophone Award-winner Helen Charlston performs songs by the English composer Henry Purcell and his contemporaries.
Bartolomeo Cristofori
This playlist explores early works for the fortepiano, in celebration of the 370th anniversary of the birth of Bartolomeo Cristofori, inventor of the piano.
Delair: The Violin Sonatas
The Levée, Marguerite Wassermann & Josef Laming release the world premiere recording of Denis Delair's Violin Sonatas.
Maurice Greene: Jephtha
Christian Curnyn directs the Early Opera Company Orchestra & Chorus in a premiere recording of Maurice Greene's masterpiece, 'Jephtha.'
Jordi Savall: Playlist
This playlist explores the wealth of recordings by Jordi Savall to accompany Ash Khandekar's interview with the extraordinary musician.
Private Passions: 30 Years
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of BBC R3's 'Private Passions', we have created a playlist with some Berkeley's guests' Early & Baroque music choices.
Cooking a Musical Pie
Julian Perkins reflects on 'Casanova', his Baroque 'pasticcio' - a musical form where composers created dazzling operas with a mix-and-match approach.
Music in Europe during Casanova's time
We trace Casanova's travels across Europe through some of the music that would have been written and heard in these places at that time.
International Day of Happiness
In celebration of the International Day of Happiness, we have put together a playlist of uplifting tracks from Continuo-funded albums.
In Chains of Gold: The English Pre-Restoration Verse Anthem Vol. 3
In Chains of Gold: The English Pre-Restoration Verse Anthem Vol. 3. A recording by Fretwork, His Majesty's Sagbutts & Cornetts and the Magdalena Consort.
Early Music from Latin America
We explore the wealth of early music from Latin America, through the music of composers living and working in the 16th-18th centuries.
Bach X Mansfield
Liturina blend the timeless genius of Johann Sebastian Bach with contemporary jazz by Jonny Mansfield, on historical instruments.
Music in 18th-Century Britain
We explore the music of 18th-Century Britain, focusing on some of the acclaimed recordings funded by Continuo Foundation over the past few years.
Beethoven and Schumann Quintets
Consone Quartet and Kate Bennett Wadsworth explore Beethoven and Schumann through innovative chamber arrangements in a new Deux-Elles recording.
Journey through the Night
Our Journey through the Night playlist traces the passing of time through the dark hours, featuring music for Compline, wind serenades and songs.
John Weldon: The Judgment of Paris
Academy of Ancient Music and Cambridge Handel Opera present the first recording of Weldon’s The Judgment of Paris, the 1701 Musick Prize entry.
The Secrets Of Andalusia
Lux Musicae London’s 'The Secrets of Andalusia' explores Flamenco’s roots through Arabic, Sephardic, and Spanish music.
Heritage and Identity
The Heritage and Identity playlist surveys the relationship between folk music and early music, through arrangements and shared sound-worlds.
Sweet Stillness
Sweet Stillness: Davina Clarke and Mary Bevan bring Handel’s Nine German Arias to life, blending music, art and poetry.
The Art of Obligato
In The Art of Obligato, Davina Clarke explores Bach’s cantata arias with violin, joined by Nick Pritchard, Hugh Cutting, and a skilled continuo ensemble.
The Art of Variation
The Art of Variation playlist traces the development of the form from its origins to the height of the Baroque.
Newe Vialles, Old Viols
Newe Vialles/Old Viols explores 17th-century English music for two historical bass viols and continuo, featuring works by Jenkins, Simpson and more.
Handel In Rome
Handel in Rome features Nardus Williams & Dunedin Consort performing three Italian cantatas, showcasing Handel’s early Roman period under John Butt's direction.
'Childhood's Awe'
“Childhood’s’ Awe” is a new work for Archlute and Harpsichord, by France-based Irish composer Sam Perkin.
Early Music at its Peripheries
This playlist explores the world of early instrumental music, featuring rare works and fresh takes on familiar pieces that expand perceptions of early music.
The Muses Restor'd
Baroque violinist Rachel Podger takes the resurgence of the Arts in England post-1660 as inspiration for her album, The Muses Restor’d.
Johann Ludwig Krebs: Keyboard Works
Steven Devine has recorded the complete keyboard works by Johann Ludwig Krebs with a number of world premiere recordings.
Bach Motets
Solomon's Knot's CD features JS Bach's complete motets, recorded at Arnstadt’s Bachkirche, highlighting the influence of his family's musical tradition.
The Enchanted Forest
Our Enchanted Forest playlist offers space to reflect on the ephemeral nature of life, and to experience wonder and joy.
Ebb and Flow
Water has long been a vital and rich source of inspiration. It can symbolise purity, cleansing and transformation, as well as wealth and power.
The Madrigal Reimagined
We sat down with Oliver Webber, violinist and director of The Monteverdi String Band to discuss the making of their recording The Madrigal Reimagined.
Midsummer Night
Celebratory and contemplative, with a strong nod to nature, this is music for a midsummer's evening.
The Complete String Trios: Schubert & Purcell
In their debut album, the Sakuntala Trio unveils a world premiere of Schubert’s String Trio in B-flat major, D.471, alongside Purcell’s Three-Part Fantasias.
The Spohr Collection Vol. 3
On the latest volume, Ashley Solomon plays on nine original 18th century flutes from Peter Spohr’s private collection.
Ecco la Primavera
Hopeful, happy and giddy in anticipation of what Spring might bring: listen to our playlist, anticipating the warmer months.
A German In Venice
This album explores Heinrich Schütz's solo cantatas alongside examples of the brilliant and virtuosic Venetian style instrumental music.
Beethoven Piano Trios
The Rautio Piano Trio returns with this second volume of Beethoven’s Piano Trios, recorded on period instruments.
Ensemble Molière - The King's Playlist
Ensemble Molière's debut album, ‘The King’s Playlist', reimagines a day in the life of one of the most magnificent royals of the baroque era.
Through the Day
An early music playlist to accompany you through your day, with and inspired by musicians you find on Continuo Connect
The King's Playlist
Ensemble Molière present their debut album, ‘The King’s Playlist’, a musical day in the life of King Louis XIV.
Music after a while
New creations and their Inspirations - new music for old instruments: exploring new sound worlds with period ensembles.
Recorder Playlist
This playlist celebrates the recorder with beautiful pieces from 'early' to 'contemporary', all by artists you can find on Continuo Connect.
Barnstorming!
Barnstorming! was born out of the desire to reconnect with colleagues and audiences during the COVID pandemic. Three concert films were created.
Playlist - February 2024
Check out our Love-themed playlist with a selection of recordings by artists featured on Continuo Connect.
Celestial Music did the Gods Inspire
Ensemble Hesperi, Hesperi Voices, and Thomas Allery bring to life the extraordinary musical story of the Battle of the Organs in London’s Temple Church.
Playlist - January 2024
Check out our January 2024 playlist with a selection of recordings by artists featured on Continuo Connect this month.
Music for French Kings
Baroque in the North's new recording, Music for French Kings, summons up the music that would have been familiar to Louis XIV.
The OAE introduces...
The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment presents a series of videos introducing the interesting and unusual instruments commonly found in early music.
Playlist - December 2023
Check out our December 2023 playlist with a selection of recordings by artists featured on Continuo Connect this month.
Johann Christoph Pepusch: Chandos Anthems
Johann Christoph Pepusch: Chandos Anthems - a recording by The Harmonious Society of Tickle-Fiddle Gentlemen.
Orazio Benevoli: Missa Tu Es Petrus - Mass for Four Choirs
Orazio Benevoli: Missa Tu Es Petrus - Mass for Four Choirs, a recording by I Fagiolini and The City Musick.
What Joy So True - anthems and motets by Thomas Weelkes
What Joy So True - anthems and motets by Thomas Weelkes, a recording from the Rose Consort of Viols and the Choir of Chichester Cathedral
An Enlightened Heart
An Enlightened Heart - a recording by Galliarda focusing on female composers of the late Baroque period.
The Continuo Edit
Looking back over the catalogue of recordings supported by Continuo grants since 2021, we could not be more proud of the impressive range and quality.
Mozart: Mass in C minor / CPE Bach: Heilig ist Gott
Mozart: Mass in C minor and CPE Bach: Heilig ist Gott, a recording from the Dunedin Consort and conductor John Butt.
Bach’s Goldberg Variations Reimagined
Bach’s Goldberg Variations Reimagined - a recording by Rachel Podger and Brecon Baroque of a new arrangement by Chad Kelly.
Tom + Will
Tom + Will, a recording marking 400 years since the deaths of Weelkes and Byrd, from The King’s Singers and Fretwork.
Haydn: Symphonies 6, 7, 8 ‘Le matin’ ‘Le midi’ ‘Le soir’
Haydn: Symphonies 6, 7 and 8 (‘Le matin’ ‘Le midi’ ‘Le soir’) - a recording from Florilegium featuring an 18 piece orchestra.
Handel: Amadigi
Handel: Amadigi - a recording of Handel's opera 'Amadigi di Gaula' by the Early Opera Company conducted by Christian Curnyn.
Forza Azzuri!
Forza Azzuri! Music by Dall’abaco, Brescianello, Sammartini, Vivaldi and Zavateri - a recording by La Serenissima.
Johann Jakob Walther: Scherzi da Violino
Johann Jakob Walther: Scherzi da Violino - a recording by violinist Bojan Čičić and the Illyria Consort
Mozart’s Bassoon
Mozart's Bassoon - a recording of works for solo bassoon by Peter Whelan and Ensemble Marsyas with Kristian Bezuidenhout.
The Library of a Prussian Princess
The Library of a Prussian Princess - a recording by Ensemble Augelletti of music associated with Anna Amalia.
Handel: La Resurrezione
Handel's oratorio La Resurrezione - an acclaimed recording from The English Concert conducted by Harry Bicket.
John Frederick Lampe: The Dragon of Wantley
John Frederick Lampe: The Dragon of Wantley - an award-winning recording from The Brook Street Band and conductor John Andrews.
Playlist - November 2023
Check out our November 2023 playlist with a selection of recordings by artists featured on Continuo Connect in November.
Sounds of the Square Mile
Organist Thomas Allery presents 'Sounds of the Square Mile', a docu-concert from the City of London.
Irlandiani - Smock Alley
Irlandiani explore 18th-century Italian-Irish musical connections in their new album 'Smock Alley'. Cellist Carina Drury talks about the album's origins.