Focus on Flowers

Today's composers are drawn to period instruments for their unique qualities. This week Harmonia explores a new work for choir and Renaissance band. We'll discuss the premiere of Kile Smith's Vespers by The Crossing and Piffaro, and a new release of Monteverdi's L'Orfeo.

A recent ATMA label release of William Lawes' harp consorts and a Hyperion recording of songs and instrumental pieces by the Lawes brothers.

If I were to ask you about Alfred Kinsey, you might tell me that he was a noted behavioral scientist, but you might be surprised to discover that he had a profound love of music. This week on Harmonia we’ll explore Kinsey’s secret love: his record collections, and the music and musicians he admired, plus a new release for recorder and harp.

The Naxos label brings us new and notable releases (Haydn and J.S. Bach) by the critically acclaimed Cologne Chamber Orchestra.

The influence of Turkish music in 17th and 18th century Europe inspired many a composer. Also, a new release of music from the Borel Manuscript.

This week we explore three recordings of Vivaldi's music for the bassoon with virtuosos Frans Berkhout, Sergio Azzolini, and Michael McCraw.

Can you name for me a Handel oratorio other than Messiah? This week on Harmonia we’ll take a look at some of Handel’s lesser-known oratorios as we focus on their male title characters. We’ll explore the stories of Saul, Belshazzar, Hercules, as well as Joseph and his Brethren. A new release of Geminiani’s cello sonatas will also be reviewed.

On Harmonia this week we’ll explore the Naxos label release Time of the Templars. The Knights of the Temple are the legendary monastic order whose story is at the center of a new compilation recording of medieval music. We’ll explore performances by the Ensembles Oni Wytars and Unicorn, as well as a new release by viola da gambist Susanne Heinrich.

The Hyperion label brings us a three volume series of Latin American baroque music with the English choir Ex Cathedra under the direction of Jeffrey Skidmore.

On Harmonia this week we continue our exploration of composers who were associated with the Catholic order known as the Jesuits. We'll travel to Europe, South America, and China, as well as listen to a new release by Les Boreades of Montreal.