Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Broadside Band is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. The group was founded in 1982 by Jeremy Barlow, a British musician and conductor who had previously worked with the Early Music Consort of London and the Academy of Ancient Music. Barlow's vision for Broadside Band was to create a flexible ensemble that could perform a wide range of early music, from the medieval period to the Baroque era. The group's name was inspired by the broadside ballads of the 17th century, which were popular songs printed on a single sheet of paper and sold on the streets. The early members of Broadside Band included Barlow on recorder and flute, Richard Campbell on viola da gamba, and Timothy Roberts on harpsichord. Over the years, the ensemble has featured a rotating cast of musicians, depending on the repertoire and performance venue. One of the highlights of Broadside Band's early career was their performance at the 1983 York Early Music Festival, where they presented a program of English music from the 16th and 17th centuries. The group's lively and engaging performance style won them critical acclaim and helped to establish their reputation as one of the leading early music ensembles in the UK. In the years that followed, Broadside Band continued to perform at festivals and concert series throughout the UK and Europe. They also released several recordings, including a highly regarded album of music by the English composer John Playford. One of the group's most notable performances was their appearance at the 1991 Proms, the annual classical music festival held at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Broadside Band performed a program of music by Henry Purcell, one of the greatest English composers of the Baroque era. The concert was broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 and was widely praised for its energy and virtuosity. Broadside Band has also collaborated with other musicians and ensembles over the years, including the vocal group Red Byrd and the early music ensemble Fretwork. In 1995, they joined forces with the Scottish early music group Concerto Caledonia to perform a program of Scottish music from the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition to their performances, Broadside Band has also been recognized for their contributions to early music scholarship. Barlow has written several books on early music, including a study of the English composer William Byrd. The group has also worked with musicologists and historians to create historically informed performances of early music. Today, Broadside Band continues to perform and record music from the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. They have released over a dozen albums, including recordings of music by Purcell, Byrd, and the Italian composer Giovanni Gabrieli. The group's current members include Barlow on recorder and flute, Campbell on viola da gamba, and Steven Devine on harpsichord. Broadside Band's legacy as one of the leading early music ensembles in the UK is a testament to their dedication to the music of the past. Through their performances and recordings, they have brought the music of the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods to new audiences and helped to preserve this rich musical heritage for future generations.

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