Ancient music gets a thrilling new lease of life

The Academy of Ancient Music (pictured above) was a pioneer in historically accurate Baroque performance and nowcelebrating their 50th anniversary season, they return to The Apex later this month with a concert of Italian Concertos.

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 sound of 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.

Among the pieces the orchestra is planning to play are Giovanni Mossi’s Concerto in G minor for 4 violins, Op.4 No.12; 
Pietro Antonio Locatelli, Concerto grosso in C minor, Op.4 No.11; Antonio Vivaldi, Violin Concerto, from L’Estro Armonico and Concerto for two violins, from L’Estro Armonico; Giuseppe Valentini, Concerto in A minor for four violins; and Arcangelo Corelli, Concerto grosso in D major, Op.6 No.4

You can see The Academy of Ancient Music at The Apex on Thursday, February 15, at 7.30pm. Ring the box office on 01284 758000 or see www.theapex.co.uk for more information or to book.