Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Choral

 

Concentus Musicae Antiquae is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of early music. The ensemble was founded in 1977 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for the music of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The founding members of the ensemble were all graduates of the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, a renowned music school in Switzerland that specializes in early music. The ensemble's founding members included the violinists Jaap Schröder and Lucy van Dael, the viola da gamba player Wieland Kuijken, the harpsichordist Gustav Leonhardt, and the recorder player Frans Brüggen. These musicians were all highly respected in the early music community and had already established themselves as soloists and chamber musicians before coming together to form Concentus Musicae Antiquae. From the beginning, the ensemble's focus was on the performance of music from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. They were particularly interested in the music of the Baroque period, which was characterized by its ornate melodies, complex harmonies, and intricate counterpoint. The ensemble's repertoire included works by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Antonio Vivaldi, and Henry Purcell. One of the ensemble's early highlights was their performance at the 1978 Utrecht Early Music Festival. This festival is one of the most prestigious early music festivals in the world, and the ensemble's performance was widely praised for its virtuosity and musicality. This performance helped to establish Concentus Musicae Antiquae as one of the leading early music ensembles of the time. Over the years, the ensemble's membership has changed, with some members leaving and new members joining. However, the ensemble has always maintained its commitment to the performance of early music. Some of the ensemble's most notable members over the years have included the violinist Sigiswald Kuijken, the cellist Anner Bylsma, and the harpsichordist Bob van Asperen. Concentus Musicae Antiquae has performed at many of the world's leading early music festivals, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Festival Oude Muziek Utrecht, and the Tage Alter Musik Regensburg. They have also performed in many of the world's leading concert halls, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Musikverein in Vienna, and Carnegie Hall in New York. One of the ensemble's most memorable performances was their 1985 performance of Bach's St. Matthew Passion at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. This performance was widely regarded as one of the finest performances of the work ever given, and it was recorded and released on CD. The recording has since become a classic of the early music repertoire and has been praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. In addition to their performances, Concentus Musicae Antiquae has also received many awards and accolades over the years. In 1980, they were awarded the Prix de l'Académie du Disque Français for their recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. They have also received numerous other awards for their recordings, including the Diapason d'Or, the Gramophone Award, and the Edison Award. Today, Concentus Musicae Antiquae continues to be one of the leading early music ensembles in the world. They have inspired countless musicians and music lovers with their virtuosic performances and their commitment to the music of the past.

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