Spotlights is a new series of four films from Stile Antico, screening weekly on Sundays in April and May 2021, and available to watch on demand.
Each episode shines a light on a key work in Stile Antico’s repertoire, and features musical performances beautifully filmed in 4K at St Augustine’s Church, Kilburn. The films are presented by members of the group, who are joined by expert academic contributors to help place the music in its historical and cultural context. Every episode features a full performance of the chosen ‘spotlight’ work, as well as a host of musical illustrations from complementary repertoire, all newly recorded for this series. Join us as we take you on a unique tour through the music we love so much!
Kate and Andrew are joined by Dr Clare Jackson (University of Cambridge) to bring to life the world of Prince Henry, heir to King James I, whose untimely death in 1612 was the spur for Robert Ramsey’s stunning How are the Mighty Fallen. This episode also includes music by Weelkes, Tomkins, Ward, and Gibbons.
Helen and James are joined by Professor Owen Rees (University of Oxford) to investigate Alonso Lobo’s magnificent motet Versa est in luctum, written at the death of King Philip II of Spain. This episode also features music by Isaac, Crecquillon, Morales, Victoria, and Richafort.
Emma and Will are joined by Dr Stephen Darlington (University of Oxford) to explore the wonderful music of John Taverner. The ‘spotlight’ work is the antiphon Ave Dei Patris filia, and the episode also includes music from Taverner’s Westron Wynde and Gloria tibi trinitas masses, Christe Jesu, and O splendor gloriae.
Cara and Jonathan are joined by Professor Simon Ditchfield (University of York) to delve into the context for Palestrina’s Canticum canticorum motets. The featured work is Surge propera, amica mea, and the episode also includes Palestrina’s Osculetur me and Missa Papae Marcelli, as well as music by Victoria and de Rore.
The recital series is hosted on the Vimeo platform. Tickets to rent each episode cost £10, or you can rent all four episodes for just £30 (a saving of £10). Your ticket entitles you to unlimited viewing for three months from the date of purchase. Individual tickets will be made available with the release of each episode, but season tickets may be pre-ordered in advance.
The films can be watched on computers, tablets, phones, and on televisions with any of the following capabilities: Apple TV, Android TV, ChromeCast, Roku, Amazon Fire. Please see the Vimeo viewing guide for further technical information.
These are cleverly crafted 45 minute videos that explore the background to each piece in terms of history, geography, politics and Zeitgeist… a splendid opportunity for fans of music of the period.
MusicOMH, reviewing ‘Spotlights’
For any other queries, please contact tickets@stileantico.co.uk.
Music filming by Musicarta Media.
We are very grateful to the Stile Antico Foundation for their financial support in creating this series.