Genre

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Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Tragicomedia is a classical music ensemble that was founded in 1987 by Stephen Stubbs and Erin Headley. The ensemble is known for its performances of early music, particularly from the Baroque era. Tragicomedia has been praised for its innovative interpretations of music from this period, as well as for its virtuosic performances. Stephen Stubbs, who serves as the ensemble's artistic director, is a renowned lutenist and conductor. He has performed with many of the world's leading early music ensembles, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Academy of Ancient Music, and the English Concert. Erin Headley, who plays the viola da gamba, is also a highly respected musician. She has performed with many of the same ensembles as Stubbs, as well as with the Huelgas Ensemble and the Clemencic Consort. Tragicomedia's other members have included a rotating cast of musicians, depending on the needs of each performance. Some of the ensemble's most frequent collaborators have included tenor Charles Daniels, soprano Ellen Hargis, and harpsichordist Mitzi Meyerson. One of Tragicomedia's most notable performances was its 1990 recording of Claudio Monteverdi's "L'Orfeo." This recording, which was released on the Teldec label, was widely praised for its innovative interpretation of the work. The ensemble's use of period instruments and historically informed performance practices helped to bring the music to life in a way that had not been heard before. Tragicomedia has also been recognized for its live performances. In 1993, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for its recording of Heinrich Schütz's "Musikalische Exequien." The ensemble has also performed at many of the world's leading early music festivals, including the Utrecht Early Music Festival, the Boston Early Music Festival, and the Festival Oude Muziek in Utrecht. In addition to its performances, Tragicomedia has also been involved in educational outreach. The ensemble has conducted workshops and masterclasses for students of early music, helping to inspire a new generation of musicians to explore this rich and fascinating repertoire. Tragicomedia's legacy continues to be felt in the world of early music. The ensemble's innovative interpretations and virtuosic performances have helped to bring this music to a wider audience, and its influence can be heard in the work of many of today's leading early music ensembles.

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