Singing Stories & Telling Songs

Beskrivelse

Singing Stories & Telling Songs traces the fascinating journey of English vocal groups from the 17th century to modern times. It explores the evolution of singing clubs, concert tours, and the vibrant vocal scenes of the 20th century.

A captivating history of English vocal music and its development through the centuries.

This book begins by diving into the music gatherings of the 1600s, which sparked the creation of singing clubs and public concerts in the 18th century. It follows the rise of professional singing groups in the 19th century, who toured performing glees and part-songs. Moving into the 20th century, it highlights The English Singers, a group that brought madrigals to audiences in London, across England, North America, and eventually worldwide.

The story continues beyond this, showing how the early music movement blossomed after World War Two with England’s singers leading the charge. New vocal ensembles and styles emerged, including groups focused on close harmony, jazz, and swing. The 1960s brought a musical revolution in London, blending pop, rock, jazz, avant-garde vocal techniques, and a growing passion for early music.

Paul Hillier, born in 1949, is an English conductor, music director, baritone, and author with a deep expertise in vocal music history. He founded the renowned Hilliard Ensemble in 1973 and later moved to California to create the Theatre of Voices. Hillier has taught at the University of California campuses in Santa Cruz and Davis and served as Director of the Early Music Institute at Indiana University from 1996 to 2003. His leadership roles include Principal Conductor of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (2001–2007) and Chief Conductor of Ars Nova Copenhagen (2003–2023). In 2023, he received the prestigious Carl Nielsen Prize.

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