Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Baroque

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

The London Handel Players is a renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music, particularly the works of George Frideric Handel. The ensemble was founded in 2000 by Adrian Butterfield, a British violinist and conductor who had previously played with the Academy of Ancient Music and the English Baroque Soloists. Butterfield's vision for the London Handel Players was to create a flexible ensemble that could perform a wide range of Baroque music, from chamber music to large-scale oratorios. He assembled a group of talented musicians who shared his passion for historically informed performance and the music of Handel. The core members of the London Handel Players include Adrian Butterfield on violin, Rachel Brown on flute, Katherine Sharman on cello, Laurence Cummings on harpsichord, and Robin Blaze on countertenor. Over the years, the ensemble has also collaborated with many other musicians and singers, depending on the repertoire and performance venue. One of the highlights of the London Handel Players' career was their performance of Handel's Messiah at the Wigmore Hall in London in 2001. This was the ensemble's debut concert, and it received critical acclaim for its fresh and vibrant interpretation of the beloved oratorio. The London Evening Standard praised the ensemble's "crisp, clear playing" and "sparkling energy," while The Guardian called it "a revelatory performance." Since then, the London Handel Players have performed at many prestigious venues and festivals around the world, including the Edinburgh International Festival, the Handel Festival in Halle, Germany, and the Boston Early Music Festival. They have also recorded several albums, including Handel's Trio Sonatas Op. 2, his Concerti Grossi Op. 6, and his opera Ariodante. In addition to their performances and recordings, the London Handel Players have also received numerous awards and accolades for their contributions to the world of Baroque music. In 2002, they won the prestigious Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Instrumental Recording for their album of Handel's Trio Sonatas Op. 2. They have also been nominated for several other Gramophone Awards, as well as the BBC Music Magazine Award and the International Classical Music Award. One of the reasons for the London Handel Players' success is their commitment to historically informed performance practice. This means that they use period instruments and techniques to recreate the sound and style of Baroque music as it would have been heard in Handel's time. For example, they use gut strings on their violins and cellos, which produce a warmer and more resonant sound than modern steel strings. They also use harpsichords instead of pianos, which have a more delicate and nuanced sound that is better suited to Baroque music. Another key element of the London Handel Players' approach is their attention to detail and nuance in the music. They carefully study the scores and historical sources to understand the composer's intentions and the performance practices of the time. This allows them to bring out the subtleties and nuances of the music, such as the intricate ornamentation and phrasing that are characteristic of Baroque music. Overall, the London Handel Players are a world-class ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the performance and appreciation of Baroque music.

More....