Pioneering orchestra to perform their Baroque-style at the Apex

The Academy of Ancient Music was a pioneer in historically-informed Baroque performance and it is set to perform at the Apex, in Bury St Edmunds, next month.

Back in 1973, when Christopher Hogwood founded the AAM, it was revolutionary. Most orchestras at that time played old music in a modern style. Centuries of change had eroded the original sounds known to Bach, Handel, Haydn and Mozart: the instruments were different; the pitch was different; the number of players was different; the very essence and spirit of performances was different.

Hogwood’s new orchestra reveled in the expressive power of old instruments – flutes made out of wood, trumpets without valves, strings woven from gut.

AAM rediscovered sounds which hadn’t been heard for hundreds of years — but it wasn’t just the sound of the music which changed; it was how it felt.

Ancient music got a thrilling new lease of life and AAM performances are still full of energy and passion and joy as they continue to explore the sound-worlds which inspired Baroque composers.

AAM return to The Apex, with new director Laurence Cummings, on February 9, bringing a programme of beloved Baroque hits, including two of Bach’s orchestral suites that the orchestra recorded at The Apex in 2013.

JS Bach:        Orchestral Suite No.3 in D major, BWV1068 (performed in its original version for strings and continuo)

Muffat:            Sonata in G major from Armonico Tributo

Telemann:     Concerto Polonoise in B-flat major

Handel:          Sonata in G major, Op.5 No.4
JS Bach:        Orchestral Suite No.2 in B minor, BWV1067