Ancient Music Workshop: Reviving Medieval and Renaissance Sounds

Ancient Music Workshop is a pioneering ensemble dedicated to historically informed performances of medieval, Renaissance, and early Baroque music. Formed in London in 2008, the group has carved a unique niche in the classical and early music scene, with their 2015 album Lute Songs of the Tudor Court spending over twelve weeks on the UK Specialist Classical Chart.

Early career

The ensemble was founded in 2008 by lutenist and musicologist Alistair Finch. Their initial focus was on intimate performances in academic settings and small London venues, aiming to recreate the authentic soundscapes of pre-17th century Europe. Their first independent release, the 2010 EP Chansons de l'Amour, garnered attention from early music enthusiasts and led to a signing with the niche label Arcane Harmonies in 2012.

Breakthrough

The group's major breakthrough arrived with their second full-length album, Lute Songs of the Tudor Court, released in late 2015. Distributed by the larger classical label Harmonia Mundi, the album achieved unexpected commercial success for its genre, peaking at number 7 on the UK Specialist Classical Chart. This chart performance established Ancient Music Workshop as a leading act in the early music revival movement.

Key tracks

Flow My Tears — This Dowland arrangement became a signature piece, frequently requested in concert and a standout track on their breakthrough album.

La Rotta — An energetic instrumental piece that showcases the group's skill with early dance forms and is a staple of their live set.

Pastime with Good Company — Their rendition of this King Henry VIII composition is often cited for its vibrant and accessible interpretation.

Branle de la Torche — This track exemplifies their collaborative spirit, featuring a notable guest recorder performance from early music virtuoso Clara Schmidt.

Following their 2015 success, Ancient Music Workshop expanded their repertoire and collaborations. Their 2019 album, The Mediterranean Echo, explored Sephardic and Italian folk traditions, further broadening their audience. They have since performed at prestigious venues like the Wigmore Hall and the Utrecht Early Music Festival, solidifying their reputation for scholarly rigor and engaging performance.

Listeners who enjoy the historical depth of Ancient Music Workshop often appreciate the work of The Dufay Collective, another UK ensemble specializing in medieval repertoire. Stile Antico shares a similar commitment to pristine vocal polyphony from the Renaissance era. For instrumental early music, fans might explore The Hilliard Ensemble, known for their influential recordings of early sacred music.

The music of Ancient Music Workshop is regularly featured in rotation on classic FM stations with dedicated early music programs, as well as on online classical radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion historical genres. Their recordings provide a sophisticated and authentic soundtrack for listeners seeking music from the medieval and Renaissance periods.

You can hear the historically rich sounds of Ancient Music Workshop on radio stations featured on our website. Explore the artist's discography and listen to their music through the various classical and specialist radio stations available on onairium.com.