Period

:

Medieval

 

 

Renaissance

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

The Martin Best Consort is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been captivating audiences with their unique blend of medieval and Renaissance music for over three decades. The ensemble was founded in 1980 by Martin Best, a British tenor and lutenist, who had a passion for early music and a desire to bring it to a wider audience. Martin Best was born in 1942 in London, England, and began his musical career as a chorister at St. Paul's Cathedral. He later studied at the Royal Academy of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he specialized in early music and the lute. After completing his studies, he began performing with various early music ensembles, including the Early Music Consort of London and the Deller Consort. In 1980, Martin Best decided to form his own ensemble, which he called the Martin Best Consort. The ensemble consisted of a group of talented musicians who shared his passion for early music and were dedicated to bringing it to a wider audience. The original members of the ensemble included Martin Best on vocals and lute, John Potter on vocals, Rogers Covey-Crump on vocals, and Andrew Lawrence-King on harp and psaltery. The Martin Best Consort quickly gained a reputation for their innovative approach to early music, which combined historical accuracy with a modern sensibility. They were known for their use of authentic instruments and their ability to bring to life the music of the medieval and Renaissance periods in a way that was both engaging and accessible to modern audiences. One of the highlights of the Martin Best Consort's early career was their performance at the 1982 Edinburgh Festival, where they received critical acclaim for their performance of the medieval play "The Play of Daniel." The ensemble's performance was praised for its authenticity and its ability to transport the audience back in time to the medieval period. Over the years, the Martin Best Consort has continued to perform at major festivals and venues around the world, including the BBC Proms, the Salzburg Festival, and the Lincoln Center in New York. They have also released numerous recordings, including their critically acclaimed album "The Medieval Romantics," which features their unique interpretations of medieval love songs. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Martin Best Consort has also been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1992, they were awarded the prestigious Gramophone Award for their recording of "The Play of Daniel," which was hailed as a landmark recording of medieval music. They have also been awarded the Diapason d'Or and the Choc de la Musique for their recordings. Today, the Martin Best Consort continues to be one of the most respected and innovative ensembles in the world of early music. They have inspired countless musicians and audiences with their passion for the music of the past and their ability to bring it to life in a way that is both authentic and engaging. With their unique blend of historical accuracy and modern sensibility, the Martin Best Consort is sure to continue captivating audiences for many years to come.

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