Recordings/Discussions
Background Information
Performer Bios
Poet/Composer Bios
Additional Information
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Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam (Vocal Ensemble) |
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Founded: 1980’s - Amsterdsam, the Netherlands |
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The composer of experimental works and Neapolitan nobleman, Carlo Gesualdo da Venosa who constantly explored new expressive means provided both the name and the stimulus for the Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam, the madrigal ensemble founded by Harry van der Kamp in the 1980’s. Gesualdo stands on the threshold between the old musical style (prima prattica) and the new style (seconda prattica) , a clear transition in music history that occurred around 1600. As a Janus-like figure, he commands a view of what happened in the past and at the same time looks ahead to the future, thereby inspiring many composers right up to the present.
The Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam aims to achieve this special expressivity in its programmes and performances. The whole madrigal repertoire of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries belongs to the repertoire of the Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam, with much attention being also given to the other genres and, where possible, connections being made with the music of later centuries. In addition, several composers have dedicated works to the Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam.
The Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam has appeared at many European festivals such as those in Innsbruck, Bremen, Dollard, Utrecht and Bachfest Leipzig. Previous recordings have endeavoured to match the Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam’s capacity to enrich their audiences’ musical knowledge and consciousness with highly-rated discs devoted to composers such as Emilio de’ Cavalieri as well as by Gesualdo himself.
The recording of the complete vocal works of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck on Glossa (to be released between 2009 and 2011) also fits with this vision. Until now, this important oeuvre has never been made completely available on CD. It is of particular interest to note that, 360 years after the end of the Eighty Years’ War (The Revolt of The Netherlands), a Spanish label is developing and issuing this “Sweelinck Monument”, thereby conferring a great honour on this “rebellious” Dutchman. |
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Upper raw, left to right: Lee Santana, Marcel Beekman, Marnix De Cat, Volker Arndt, Nele Gramß; Lower raw, left to right: Harry van der Kamp, Harry van Berne, Stephanie Petitlaurent [42] |
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Source: Glossa Music Website; Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam Website (Photos: Sjaak Ramakers)
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (November 2011) |
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Recordings of Bach Cantatas & Other Vocal Works |
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Conductor |
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Works |
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Pieter Jan Belder |
Vocal Ensemble |
BWV 64, BWV 81, BWV 227 |
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Wolfgang Helbich |
Vocal Ensemble |
BWV 150, BWV 237, BWV 239, BWV 240, BWV Anh 24, BWV Anh 30, BWV Anh 167 |
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Links to other Sites |
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Harry van der Kamp & Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam (Glossa Music) |
Gesualdo Consort Amsterdam (Official Website) [Dutch] |
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