Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Denmark

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Concerto

 

 

Symphony

 

Collegium Musicum Copenhagen is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1956 by conductor and harpsichordist Paul Hillier. The ensemble is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and is known for its performances of early music, particularly from the Baroque period. The founding of Collegium Musicum Copenhagen was a response to the growing interest in early music in the mid-20th century. Hillier, who was born in England but had studied and worked in the United States, had become interested in the music of the Baroque period and wanted to form an ensemble that could perform this music with authenticity and historical accuracy. The ensemble's early members included a mix of Danish and international musicians, many of whom were students or recent graduates of the Royal Danish Academy of Music. Over the years, the ensemble has had a rotating cast of members, but has always maintained a commitment to excellence in performance and a dedication to the music of the Baroque period. One of the highlights of Collegium Musicum Copenhagen's early years was its performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion in 1960. This was a groundbreaking performance, as it was one of the first times that the work had been performed in Denmark in its entirety. The performance was well-received by audiences and critics alike, and helped to establish the ensemble's reputation as a leading interpreter of Baroque music. In the years that followed, Collegium Musicum Copenhagen continued to perform and record music from the Baroque period, including works by Handel, Vivaldi, and Telemann. The ensemble also began to expand its repertoire to include music from the Renaissance and early Classical periods. One of the ensemble's most notable performances was its 1979 performance of Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610. This was a challenging work that required a large ensemble and a high level of technical skill, but Collegium Musicum Copenhagen rose to the occasion and delivered a stunning performance that was widely praised by critics. In addition to its performances, Collegium Musicum Copenhagen has also been recognized for its recordings. The ensemble has released numerous albums over the years, including several that have won awards and critical acclaim. One of the most notable of these was the ensemble's 1990 recording of Bach's Mass in B Minor, which was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or. Throughout its history, Collegium Musicum Copenhagen has remained committed to its mission of performing early music with historical accuracy and authenticity. The ensemble has continued to evolve and grow over the years, but has always maintained a high level of excellence in its performances and recordings. Today, Collegium Musicum Copenhagen is recognized as one of the leading ensembles in the world of early music, and its legacy continues to inspire and influence musicians and audiences alike.

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