(in)sight-reading enlightenment/early music podcast

In this episode of (In)Sight-Reading Enlightenment, I sit down with the brilliant flutist and researcher Rachel Brown(Rachel’s website).We explore the world of original Quantz flutes and discover their surprising personalities — not unlike the Three Tenors, each with their own temperament and flair. Our conversation also touches on the colours and expressive power of tonalities such as E-flat major, G minor, and F minor, and the fingering quirks and possibilities they reveal on the traverso.The music featured in this episode is Rachel Brown’s recording of Johann Joachim Quantz’s Sonata in B-flat major, QV 1:272 — listen here: YouTube linkThis is part one of our conversation — part two will follow with even more insights into Quantz’s world and the art of the flute.✨ If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the podcast — it really helps others discover it. And I’d love to hear your thoughts! You can always reach me at insight insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com#Quantz #Traverso #EarlyMusic #RachelBrown #FlutePodcast #HistoricalPerformance #BaroqueFlute #InsightReadingEnlightenment

Hello dear friends,What does it mean to be a “superwoman” in music—then and now? In this episode, we travel from the finely tuned mechanics of 19th-century fortepianos to the bold visions of contemporary curators as we explore Superwomen—a newly launched festival in Basel by pianist and researcher Laura Granero and piano restorer Sebastian Bausch, the duo behind Klavieratelier Mignon 1904.Together, we unfold a multi-sensory conversation, from salon culture to technological time capsules. Expect to meet the dazzling Fanny Davies—not only a pianist of Schumann’s inner circle but also a visual artist and chronicler of her musical world (hear her play Davidsbündlertänze here). We’ll also discuss diva, entrepreneur, and Rossini’s first wife Isabella Colbran (profile), whose fortune helped fund the composer’s comfort.And yes, there were bread sculptures. The 19th-century salon scene was full of unexpected flourishes—often led by female artists who shaped cultural trends far beyond the concert hall. We dive into the curious tale of musical baking, the gender politics of programming, and the enduring influence of the salonnières.Adding a present-day sparkle, we taste a bottle from Cava Hispania and raise a glass to Darina's second podcast, Why White Wine, celebrating the role of wine in collaboration and storytelling.With fortepiano improvisations on John Field’s Nocturne No. 5 (performed by Laura Granero), reflections on feminist agency in curation, and a touch of irony, this episode invites you to rethink tradition with intelligence, warmth, and a generous pour.🕰 Full time codes:00:00 – Intro + Field Nocturne No. 503:19 – On artistic design choices04:24 – What is Atelier 1904?09:45 – Piano roll technology as time travel14:05 – Who curated the concerts back then?20:45 – What concert culture felt like in the 19th century23:21 – Performing vs. hosting27:30 – Inside the Superwomen Festival41:34 – How to research female creators47:30 – Sebastian on being a feminist in classical music50:00 – Wine tasting on air: Cava Hispania + Why White Wine54:14 – Tips for discovering women composersOutro – Fanny Davies plays Schumann💌 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share if this inspired you to seek more hidden heroines of music history.Contact me: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com #EarlyMusicMatters#ForgottenVoices#WomenInMusicHistory#SalonCulture#HistoricalInstruments#PianoRollRevival#FortepianoVibes#SuperwomenFestival#FeministMusicology#ReclaimHerStory#MusicalTrailblazers#ClassicalFeminism#HiddenHeroines#SalonSisters#MusicPodcast#ClassicalMusicPodcast#PodcastForMusicLovers#InSightReadingEnlightenment#ListenLearnUnwind#BaselCulture

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Natasha Loges, Professor of Musicology at the Hochschule für Musik Freiburg (mh-freiburg.de). Dr. Loges is renowned for her research on 19th-century music, concert culture, and gender studies (oxfordsong.org). In this episode, she delves into her forthcoming biography of Pauline Viardot, the influential 19th-century mezzo-soprano, composer, and cultural icon (hfmt-hamburg.de).⏰ Episode Highlights:1:13 – Guest Introduction2:11 – About the Viardot Biography6:57 – Viardot as Composer10:47 – Classical Music Perspectives: Then & Now15:00 – Historical Predictions of Classical Music18:10 – Controversies Around Viardot's Heritage21:43 – The Everyday Life of Pauline Viardot26:21 – The Open Marriage and 19th-Century Society30:38 – Three Sides of Viardot as Composer32:16 – Public Perception of Viardot's Appearance38:32 – Women as 19th-Century Entrepreneurs43:44 – Research Tips from Natasha Loges47:00 – Outro & Reflections🔗 Resources Mentioned:Dr. Natasha Loges at Hochschule für Musik Freiburg: mh-freiburg.deViardot Lecture Info: hfmt-hamburg.deBiography Preview (PDF): musik-akademie.chOxford Song Festival Profile: oxfordsong.orgNOVA Contemporary Music Meeting Bio: fabricadesites.fcsh.unl.pt🎧 Listen now and uncover the many layers of Pauline Viardot’s legacy, as seen through the lens of one of today’s most insightful musicologists.#PaulineViardot #NatashaLoges #EarlyMusic #WomenInMusic #19thCenturyMusic #ClassicalMusicHistory #Musicology #OperaHistory #FemaleComposers #MusicalSalons #InSightReadingEnlightenment #PodcastForMusicians #HistoricalMusicology #MusicPodcast #FeminismInMusic

In this episode, we dive into the world of early music with Marc Lewon, a distinguished German lutenist, musicologist, and professor at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. Marc shares insights into his journey through medieval and Renaissance music, his passion for historical instruments, and his role in reviving ancient musical traditions.We also explore ReRenaissance, Basel's forum for early music. Founded in 2020, ReRenaissance presents monthly concerts that bring to life music composed before 1600. Marc, as a founding board member, discusses the series' mission to make early music accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences.⏱️ Episode Timeline🎶 Intro music: Ile fantazies de Joskin – Ensemble Leones00:00 – Welcome & opening music02:10 – Marc Lewon’s fields of interest in early music04:13 – How did Marc first discover early music?06:20 – Going online: how the digital world transformed his path🎵 08:37 – Musical example: Lange swîgen des hât ich gedâht (Walther von der Vogelweide)10:05 – Solitary or social? Reflections on online presence in the early music scene11:56 – Current projects and what’s on the horizon14:20 – What is ReRenaissance Basel?16:00 – Crafting concert themes: the ReRen programming process🎵 18:13 – Musical excerpt: Freu dich, du weltlich creatur (arr. M. Lewon) – Ensemble Leones20:12 – Behind the scenes: the origins and concept of ReRen22:47 – What makes ReRen’s concert format so unique24:37 – Sustainability and history: where do they meet?27:00 – Musical travels and environmental reflections30:35 – Reaching audiences: shaping communication in early music32:11 – Collaborations and community33:35 – The double life: musician and concert organiser📬 Contact us: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.comWe’d love to hear your feedback, ideas, or guest suggestions!Links & Resources:​🔗 Marc Lewon's Website: www.lewon.de​🔗 Ensemble Leones: www.leones.de​🔗 ReRenaissance Basel: www.rerenaissance.ch​📺 ReRenaissance YouTube Channel: ReRenaissance En - YouTube#EarlyMusic #MarcLewon #ReRenaissance #BaselCulture #MedievalMusic #RenaissanceMusic #HistoricalPerformance #InSightReadingEnlightenment #EarlyMusicPodcast

📍 This episode of (In)Sight-Reading Enlightenment takes you straight to the heart of the London International Festival of Early Music (LIFEM), which took place in November 2024. We explore the festival’s atmosphere, its exciting Chamber Music Competition, and the inspiring work behind the scenes.Join host Darina Ablogina as she speaks with:🎤 Chris Butler, the longtime organiser of LIFEM🎤 Erik Bosgraaf, recorder virtuoso and the festival’s newly appointed artistic directorTogether, they reflect on the festival’s legacy, the magic of community, and their shared hopes for the future of early music.🕰️ Timecodes0:00 – Intro1:15 – Meet Chris Butler1:47 – Meet Erik Bosgraaf2:02 – The Origins of LIFEM3:30 – How a passion turned into leadership and vision.4:25 – Festival Highlights & AfterpartiesThe joy of community, unforgettable performances, and why the afterparties matter.8:30 – Reflections from Erik on stepping into the role of artistic director.9:00 – Shaping the Festival’s Artistic VisionHow artists are selected and what guides the programming.9:58 – Education, Inspiration & ExhibitionsFrom kids to amateurs—creating a welcoming and enriching festival experience.13:10 – Engaging the AudienceCurious kids, live questions, and a responsive festival crowd.15:25 – Please Touch the Instruments!Encouraging connection through hands-on experience.16:10 – Looking AheadDreams, plans, and the evolving future of LIFEM.18:10 – LIFEM’s Impact & ReputationThe festival’s growing presence on the international stage.21:42 – A Sense of WonderWhat the audience takes home—and why it matters.22:55 – Outro📌 Useful Links🌐 LIFEM Website: https://lifem.org📸 LIFEM on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifemofficial?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==📲 Follow (In)Sight-Reading Enlightenment for more early music stories:Instagram https://www.instagram.com/insight_reading_enlightenment/Thank you for listening and supporting this beautiful community.With music and curiosity,Darina 🎶

In this special episode we explore the vibrant world of the Valletta Baroque Festival with its artistic director, Kenneth Zammit Tabona. Join us as we dive into the festival's journey from its inception to its current stature as a beacon of early music. Kenneth shares personal stories of his connection to early music, the magic of unforgettable performances, and the intricate art of crafting a festival program. We also discuss the festival’s impact on education and community, the challenges of growing a diverse audience, and the triumphs that make the festival a cultural gem in Malta. Tune in to uncover the passion, vision, and resilience behind one of Europe's most enchanting music festivals. https://www.festivals.mt/vbf Time codes: 00:00 Introduction   01:35 The Festival's Roots   05:35 Your Connection to Early Music   07:15 Unforgettable Moments  10:51 Crafting the Festival Program   13:41 Musical Landscape from the Old Times   20:23 Educational and Community Impact   20:56 Connecting with the Audience  my email: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com #podcast #earlymusicpodcast

In this episode, I have a fascinating conversation with the outstanding and brilliant Lila Hajosi, the director of the vocal ensemble Irini, based in France. In this episode, Lila shares her passion for the lower and middle vocal ranges, her view of the diversity situation in the field of early music, and how the organisation she founded to support female leaders in the structure of France's music organisations works. https://www.ensembleirini.com/it/equipe-artistique/ https://www.ensembleirini.com/it/ support me and contact: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com

In this episode, I approached Giovanni Antonini, the renowned conductor and founder of Il Giardino Armonico, right after their spectacular performance of Haydn symphonies in Basel.  https://www.ilgiardinoarmonico.com/giovanni-antonini/ I had the pleasure of exploring his extensive journey through Baroque and Classical music, from his innovative interpretations as a young musician, to his experiences as an ensemble founder, to his work with world-class orchestras. Giovanni shares insights into his artistic vision and the future of early music with a warm and elegant sense of humour. Contact me: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours, Darina

In this episode, I have the pleasure of interviewing Lucie Horsch, the renowned recorder virtuoso.https://luciehorsch.com/We dive deep into her life, musical journey, and what it’s like to be one of the most innovative young artists the world. Additionally, I sit down with Olga Pashchenko and Albert Edelman, the artistic director of the B’Rock orchestra to discuss their memorable experiences at the Felix Festival, celebrating the unique moments and performances that make it a standout event. Join us for an inspiring conversation full of artistic insight and festival highlights!About my guests:https://b-rock.org/https://olgapashchenko.comContact me: insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.comYours,Darina

My guests today, who answer the same question about their motivation to go on stage, are: Raphael Pichon, the conductor of the Pygmalion choir and orchestra, the brilliant keyboardist Olga Pashchenko and Reginald Mobley, a countertenor with a magically sweet voice. Please contact me if you are interested in this topic and would like to share your insights on the motivation to perform. Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours,Darina #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #bach #bestplacetobe #raphaelpichon #reginaldmobley #olgapashchenko #motivationtoperfom #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards

In this special episode dedicated to the Stockholm Early Music Festival, I am delighted to speak with Artistic Director Peter Pontvik. In this conversation, we looked at topics such as: Background and origins of the festival, Peter Pontvik's personal journey as an artist and director of the ensemble Villancico, festival highlights, programming and selection process, educational initiatives, innovations in audience engagement, challenges and successes, future plans, cultural impact of the Early Music Festival on the cultural landscape of Stockholm. Follow SEMF webpage: https://www.earlymusicsweden.se Follow Peter's webpage: https://www.peterpontvik.se Discover ensemble Villancico: https://www.villancico.se/home Special thanks to the SEMF and Peter Pontvik for the invitation and making this interview possible! Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours,Darina #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #bach #SEMF #peterpontvik #ensemblevillancico #earlymusic #beethoven #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards

Today we have a fascinating conversation with an outstanding performer on the keyboard instrument Jermaine Sprosse. We will reflect on why we record CDs nowadays and what the appeal of creating one is, why it is necessary to discover new repertoire and how creativity influences us artists and our motivation. Find Jermain's CD here: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Bevapr37OHmJg8Kir6YVU Visit his webpage: https://www.jermainesprosse.com Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.comYours,Darina#jermainesprosse #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #bach #CD #cembalos #piano #earlymusic #beethoven #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards #piano

Hello dear friends, this special Early Music Day podcast episode is dedicated to looking at some obscure and still unknown corners when we think of the terms "diversity" and "awareness" in the music business across the spectrum. We will talk to a great specialist, director of operations at Black Lives in Music, outlines how this organisation advocates for diversity in the classical music industry Roger Wilson. https://blim.org.uk Music excerpts: Florence Price "The white Rose" Reginald Mobley Chevalier Saint-Georges - Adagio in F minor (historical recording) Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours, Darina #blacklivesinmusic #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #bach #florenceprice #chevalierstgeorges #piano #mendelssohn #beethoven #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards #piano #tchaykovsky #list #brahms

Hello dear friends! My guest today is an inspiring pianist with a truly humanistic approach to early music, Laura Granero. http://lauragranero.com Laura is the founder of the "Fanny Davies Ensemble", which is based on a collaborative and innovative approach. Laura is currently opening a brand new concert space in Basel that welcomes musicians with new concert formats. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/861602174297 In today's episode, we read two songs by Fanny Hensel-Mendelssohn and discuss the historically informed 19th century perspective that has been replaced in our minds by an expectation of what classical music should sound like that excludes the sound philosophy of the time and is relevant or the Romantic time approach to music. We talked about inclusivity and awareness in relation to building a concert programme and dealing with the issue of classical music's 'greatest hits' and their problematic nature. Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours, Darina #lauragranero #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #fannydavies #claraschumann #fortepiano #piano #mendelssohn #beethoven #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards #piano #tchaykovsky #list #brahms

Hello dear friends and music lovers! Today we're taking a look at the new book recently published by Bärenreiter Verlag "Alte Musik heute Geschichte und Perspektiven Historischer Aufführungspraxis." "Early Music Today History and Perspectives of Historical Performance Practice." https://www.baerenreiter.com/en/shop/product/details/BVK2520/ I was lucky enough to meet the editor Richard Lorber, who is also the editor for early music and opera at WDR, and his colleagues who contributed several articles to the book. https://miz.org/de/institutionen/tage-alter-musik-in-herne-i8538 https://www1.wdr.de/radio/wdr3/musik/opernblog/opernblog-info-100.html Mélanie Froehly is the director of the Centre for Early Music in Cologne and in her article she describes the economic mechanisms behind every concert and festival and what is important for musicians to be aware of. https://www.zamus.de/en/about-us/ With Norbert Rodenkirchen we discussed his exciting article about the creative aspects of improvisation and the challenges of playing medieval music. https://www.norbertrodenkirchen.org The last piece of music in this episode is the song "Ich han gedacht" from Norbert's album: Hameln Anno 1284: Mittelalterliche Flötenmusik auf den Spuren des Rattenfängers My podcast for REMA: ⁠https://www.rema-eemn.net/podcasts/⁠ Visit our Instagram channel to see my Vlog from Malta: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/insight_reading_enlightenment/⁠ Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours, Darina #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #medievalmusic #altemusikheute #medievalmusic #earlymusic #baroquemusic #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards #richardlorber #zamus #norbertrodenkirchen

Hello dear friends! Welcome to Malta! Today we will be attending 3 concerts of the Valetta Baroque Music Festival. Check out the program of the festival: https://www.festivals.mt/vbf My podcast for REMA: https://www.rema-eemn.net/podcasts/ Visit our Instagram channel to see my Vlog from Malta: https://www.instagram.com/insight_reading_enlightenment/ Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours, Darina #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #valettabaroquefestival #malta #medievalmusic #earlymusic #baroquemusic #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards

My guest is the leader of the outstanding medieval ensemble "Solazzo" Anna Danilevskaya. http://www.sollazzoensemble.net We discussed issues related to professional burnout in the field of early music and how to deal with it. We also reflected on a mentally sustainable collegial environment, strategies for overcoming communication challenges with concert promoters, and how to deal with the mystery of being a productive group leader and creative concert program developer. Musical excerpts are from the Solazzo's CDs: Leuven Chansonnier Firenze 1350: A Medieval Florentine Garden Thanks for listening and Happy New Year! I wish you all the best in the upcoming 2024! Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours, Darina #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #solazzo #annadanilevskaya #medievalmusic #earlymusic #medievalensemble #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards

In this episode, I visit Lucerne and have a glass of wine with the outstanding French pianist Lucas Debargue. ⁠https://www.lucasdebargue.com⁠ His career took off when he won a special prize at the Tchaykowsky Competition in 2015. Debargue was then invited to perform solo recitals, concerts and chamber music concerts in concert halls such as the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory, the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall in Moscow, the Concert Hall of the Mariinsky Theater, the St. Petersburg Philharmonic, the Theatre des Champs Elysées, the Salle Gaveau, Carnegie Hall in New York, etc. We talked about life after fame, problems at the conservatory and why art should be disruptive. You can follow my project for the REMA Early Music Podcast here: https://www.rema-eemn.net/podcasts/ The sound excerpts from Luca's archive and they are taken with his permission from Youtube. He plays Scarlatti, Tchaykowsky, Jazz improvisation and "Nostalgie" by Milosz Magin. Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com Yours, Darina #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #lucasdebargue #fortepiano #piano #tchaykowsky #beethoven #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards

My guest today is a percussionist, performer and creator of the Manifesto of 10 Statements on Collaboration. Roberto is also the founder of a band called re-convert, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in the next few days. Congratulations! In this interview we talked about collaboration as an artistic process and everyday tool for a long-term perspective and sustainability. Together with his friends, Roberto will launch a new festival "FOG" for electronic and contemporary music this fall. We talked about the challenges of such a project and the organizational details. Additional links and materials to the episode: 1 excerpt - WDWG.art the music is fully created by reConvert, 2 excerpt - The moth “written piece” by Roberto and Fernando Manassero, for turntable and electronics (solo performer) Check out Roberto’s projects: (ex)tension, reConvert + di Salvo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCZ63NLckO8 Where Do We Go (from here): https://www.wdwg.art Project that Roberto will also present at Kunsttage Basel (25.-27.08.) with reConvert. FOG Festival: https://www.instagram.com/fogkollektiv/ Festival EXIT (Uruguay): https://www.instagram.com/festivalexit/ http://exitfestival.art Roberto’s social media/site: https://www.instagram.com/roberto_maq/ @roberto_maq http://robertomaqueda.com Description of the 10 statements: “10 Statements is a project about collaborative practices in new music initiated by Roberto Maqueda and Jennifer Torrence in 2019. The project invites performers and composers to share and document their own collaborative practices through text, image, audio, and other formats.” https://www.10statements.com Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #robertomaquda #electronicmusic #synthesizers #reconvert #collaboration #contemporarymusic #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards

Olga Paschenko, renowned pianist and professor of period instrument at the Amsterdam Conservatory, delves into the intricacies of her unusual concert experience. She shares her insights into interpreting Beethoven's works on the historic piano. https://olgapashchenko.com https://www.chateau-bournazel.fr/en/concerts-2/ The sound excerpts from the sonata op. 111 are taken from Olga's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@olgapashchenko5091/videos Discover more https://insightreadingenlightenment.carrd.co Write to us if you want to support us insightreading.enlightenment@gmail.com #insightreadingenlightenment #earlymusicpodcastinsightreadingenlightenment #olgapashchenko #fortepiano #piano #bournazel #beethoven #podcast #earlymusicpodcast #darinaablogina #earlymusic #remaawards