Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Orchestral

 

The English Consort is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with its exceptional performances for over four decades. Founded in 1973 by the celebrated conductor and harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock, the ensemble has become one of the most respected and admired groups in the world of classical music. Trevor Pinnock, who was born in Canterbury, England in 1946, was a child prodigy who began playing the harpsichord at the age of 7. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London and later became a member of the Early Music Consort of London, which was led by the renowned conductor David Munrow. Pinnock's passion for early music led him to form his own ensemble, which he named the English Consort. The English Consort's early performances were characterized by their innovative approach to early music, which was still a relatively new field at the time. Pinnock and his fellow musicians were committed to performing music from the Baroque and Renaissance periods on period instruments, which were replicas of the instruments that would have been used during the time the music was composed. This approach allowed the ensemble to create a sound that was authentic and true to the original intent of the composers. The English Consort quickly gained a reputation for their exceptional musicianship and their ability to bring the music of the past to life. They performed at some of the most prestigious venues in the world, including the Royal Albert Hall in London, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and Carnegie Hall in New York. They also recorded extensively, releasing over 50 albums on the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. One of the highlights of the English Consort's early career was their performance of Handel's Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall in 1979. The performance was a huge success, and it cemented the ensemble's reputation as one of the leading interpreters of Baroque music. The English Consort went on to perform Messiah at the Royal Albert Hall every year for over a decade, becoming a beloved Christmas tradition for many music lovers. In 1988, Trevor Pinnock stepped down as the director of the English Consort, and the ensemble was taken over by the violinist Andrew Manze. Manze, who had been a member of the ensemble since 1983, was a respected soloist and conductor in his own right, and he brought a new energy and enthusiasm to the group. Under Manze's leadership, the English Consort continued to push the boundaries of early music performance. They explored new repertoire, including works by lesser-known composers, and they continued to perform on period instruments. They also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles, including the Academy of Ancient Music and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. One of the highlights of the English Consort's collaboration with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment was their performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the Royal Festival Hall in London in 2000. The performance was hailed as a triumph, and it was later released on CD to critical acclaim. In addition to their performances, the English Consort has also been recognized for their recordings. They have won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for their recording of Handel's Messiah in 1989. They have also been awarded the Gramophone Award, the Diapason d'Or, and the Edison Award, among others.

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