Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Renaissance

 

 

Baroque

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Choral

 

 

Keyboard

 

Gradus Ad Parnassum is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1989 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music. The ensemble is based in Madrid, Spain, and is known for its performances of music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The founding members of Gradus Ad Parnassum were Pedro Estevan, Emilio Moreno, and Hopkinson Smith. Pedro Estevan is a percussionist who specializes in early music, Emilio Moreno is a violinist, and Hopkinson Smith is a lutenist. These three musicians were joined by other musicians who shared their passion for early music, and together they formed Gradus Ad Parnassum. The name of the ensemble, Gradus Ad Parnassum, comes from a treatise on music theory by Johann Joseph Fux, a composer and music theorist who lived in the 18th century. The treatise is called Gradus ad Parnassum, which means "steps to Parnassus," and it is a guide to counterpoint, the art of combining melodies in a harmonious way. The members of Gradus Ad Parnassum are all highly skilled musicians who specialize in early music. In addition to Pedro Estevan, Emilio Moreno, and Hopkinson Smith, the ensemble includes musicians who play a variety of instruments, including the viola da gamba, the harpsichord, the recorder, and the baroque guitar. Over the years, Gradus Ad Parnassum has performed at many prestigious venues and festivals around the world. Some of the highlights of the ensemble's performances include a concert at the Royal Palace in Madrid, a performance at the Festival de Musique Baroque de Versailles in France, and a concert at the Wigmore Hall in London. In addition to its live performances, Gradus Ad Parnassum has also recorded several albums of early music. The ensemble's recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Diapason d'Or and the Choc de la Musique. One of the most notable aspects of Gradus Ad Parnassum's performances is the ensemble's commitment to historical accuracy. The musicians use period instruments and play the music in a way that is true to the style of the time period in which it was written. This attention to detail has earned the ensemble a reputation for authenticity and excellence in the field of early music. In addition to its performances and recordings, Gradus Ad Parnassum is also involved in educational outreach. The ensemble has conducted workshops and masterclasses for students and young musicians, sharing their knowledge and passion for early music with the next generation. In conclusion, Gradus Ad Parnassum is a classical music ensemble that is known for its performances of early music from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The ensemble was founded in 1989 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for this music, and it has since become one of the most respected ensembles in the field of early music. With its commitment to historical accuracy, its exceptional musicianship, and its dedication to education, Gradus Ad Parnassum is a true treasure of the classical music world.

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