Genre

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Orchestral

 

Parley of Instruments is a renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in performing music from the Baroque and Renaissance periods. The ensemble was founded in 1979 by Peter Holman, a British conductor, harpsichordist, and musicologist. Holman was inspired to create the ensemble after studying early music at Oxford University and realizing that there was a lack of professional ensembles dedicated to performing this repertoire. The ensemble's name, Parley of Instruments, is a reference to the term "parley" which means to discuss or negotiate, and "instruments" which refers to the musical instruments used in the ensemble. The name reflects the ensemble's mission to explore and interpret the music of the past through the use of period instruments and historical performance practices. The main members of Parley of Instruments have changed over the years, but the ensemble has always featured a core group of musicians who specialize in early music. Some of the notable members of the ensemble have included Peter Holman (harpsichord), Roy Goodman (violin), Rachel Brown (flute), and Mark Caudle (viola da gamba). Parley of Instruments has performed extensively throughout the United Kingdom and Europe, as well as in North America and Asia. The ensemble has been praised for its virtuosic performances and its commitment to historical accuracy in its interpretations of early music. One of the highlights of Parley of Instruments' career was its performance at the 1980 Proms, a series of classical music concerts held annually in London. The ensemble performed a program of music by Henry Purcell, which was well-received by both audiences and critics. This performance helped to establish Parley of Instruments as one of the leading early music ensembles in the UK. Another notable performance by Parley of Instruments was its collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1991. The ensemble provided the music for a production of Shakespeare's play "The Tempest," which was directed by Adrian Noble. The production was highly acclaimed and helped to bring early music to a wider audience. Parley of Instruments has also been recognized for its recordings, which have received numerous awards and critical acclaim. The ensemble's recording of Handel's "Water Music" won the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Instrumental Recording in 1989, and its recording of Purcell's "The Fairy Queen" was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1996. In addition to its performances and recordings, Parley of Instruments has also been involved in educational outreach programs. The ensemble has worked with schools and community groups to introduce young people to early music and to provide opportunities for them to learn about historical performance practices. Overall, Parley of Instruments has had a significant impact on the world of early music. The ensemble's commitment to historical accuracy and its virtuosic performances have helped to bring this repertoire to a wider audience and to inspire a new generation of musicians to explore the music of the past.

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