Country

:

United Kingdom

Genre

:

Concerto

 

The Academy of Ancient Music (AAM) is a world-renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque and early Classical music on period instruments. The ensemble was founded in 1973 by Christopher Hogwood, a British conductor, harpsichordist, and musicologist, with the aim of reviving the performance practices of the 18th century. Hogwood was inspired by the pioneering work of early music specialists such as Gustav Leonhardt and Nikolaus Harnoncourt, who were advocating for a historically informed approach to performing Baroque music. Hogwood believed that by using period instruments and researching the original performance practices of the time, it was possible to recreate the sound and style of the music as it was intended to be heard. The AAM quickly gained a reputation for its innovative and dynamic performances, and became one of the leading ensembles in the early music movement. The ensemble's core members included some of the finest period instrument players of the time, including Simon Standage (violin), Anthony Pleeth (cello), and Trevor Pinnock (harpsichord). One of the AAM's early highlights was its recording of Handel's "Water Music" in 1977, which was widely praised for its freshness and vitality. The ensemble also made a series of groundbreaking recordings of Bach's orchestral works, including the Brandenburg Concertos and the Orchestral Suites, which helped to establish the AAM as one of the leading interpreters of Bach's music. In addition to its recordings, the AAM also gained a reputation for its live performances, which were characterized by their energy, precision, and attention to detail. The ensemble toured extensively throughout Europe and North America, performing in some of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. One of the AAM's most memorable performances was its 1982 concert at the BBC Proms, where the ensemble performed Handel's "Messiah" to critical acclaim. The performance was notable for its use of period instruments and for the AAM's innovative approach to the work, which emphasized the drama and emotional intensity of the music. Over the years, the AAM has continued to push the boundaries of early music performance, exploring new repertoire and experimenting with different approaches to interpretation. The ensemble has also collaborated with some of the world's leading soloists and conductors, including mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli and conductor Richard Egarr. In recognition of its contributions to the early music movement, the AAM has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 1982, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos," and in 1996, it received a Grammy Award for its recording of Handel's "Messiah." Today, the AAM continues to be one of the leading ensembles in the early music world, with a roster of talented musicians and a commitment to excellence in performance and scholarship. The ensemble's recordings and performances continue to inspire and delight audiences around the world, and its legacy as a pioneer of historically informed performance remains secure.

More....