Early Music and Historical Performance Practice
Inernational Days of Early Music
THE FAERIE ISLE - English Musik-Making from Dowland to Handel
20. - 23. Jänner 2027
Lecturers
Mikayel Balyan, pianoforte
Emma Black, baroque oboe
Anne Marie Dragosits, harpsichord/basso continuo
Miriam Feuersinger, voice
Marcello Gatti, traverso
Anna Januj, recorder
Franz Landlinger, Wolfgang Gaisböck, baroque trumpet
Christoph Urbanetz, viola da gamba
Elisabeth Wiesbauer, baroque violin/viola
English music from the late Renaissance to the early 18th century reflects a fascinating period of musical and cultural change. The repertoire of ITAM 2027 traces this development from the flourishing of the madrigal during the Elizabethan era, through the intimate songs of John Dowland and the rich instrumental and vocal repertoire of Henry Purcell’s time, to the cosmopolitan music of George Frideric Handel.
The evolution of English music during these decades was closely intertwined with the country’s political, religious and social transformations. The religious upheavals of the 16th century profoundly influenced musical life at court and in the church and theatre. The changing cultures of the Tudor and Stuart courts, the disruption of the Civil War and the subsequent Restoration of the monarchy each left their mark on musical life. Against this background, London emerged as an increasingly international centre, absorbing and adapting influences from both France and Italy.
At the heart of the course is Henry Purcell’s semi-opera The Fairy Queen, first performed in 1692. Through selected excerpts, participants will explore Purcell’s distinctive musical language and gain a deeper understanding of the characteristic sounds and styles of English Baroque music.
Practical work with ABU tutors in individual and chamber music lessons will be complemented by lectures exploring the historical and theoretical context. A guest lecture by Rebecca Herissone (University of Manchester) will further enrich the programme.
Suggestions for further chamber music and solo repertoire
Works by John Blow, John Dowland, John Eccles, Michael Festing, Gottfried Finger, Francesco Geminiani, Orlando Gibbons, Tobias Hume, John Jenkins, William Lawes, Matthew Locke, John Loeillet, Nicola Matteis, Henry Purcell, G.F. Handel and others
The course is aimed at students and graduates of Early Music.
The closing date for applications is December 5th 2026.
Pitch of keyboard instruments:
harpsichords, organ 415 Hz/440 Hz, pianofortes 415 Hz/430 Hz
SALE OF MUSIC NOTES
Walhall Edition (https://www.edition-walhall.de/)
Registration until December 5, 2026 at:
Registration ITAM 2027
International Days of Early Music
Every year, the ABU Linz hosts the “International Days for Early Music” as a forum for in-depth work on a topic relevant to historical performance practice. The course is aimed at students from Austria and abroad and is designed to promote education, exchange, and networking. A top-class team of international guest lecturers and lecturers from the Anton Bruckner Private University supervise the participants. Depending on the thematic focus, work is carried out in individual and ensemble lessons and in the ITAM Orchestra Academy. The supporting program of lecturer concerts, lectures, and a final participant concert enables a holistic immersion in a particular national style or era.
Guest lecturers and speakers in previous years have included Clive Brown, Anne Pustlauk, Els Biesemans, Miriam Feuersinger, Monika Mauch, Ulrike Hofbauer, Anne Smith, Susanne Scholz, Anselm Hartinger, David Bergmüller, Eugène Michelangeli, Peter Schleuning, Silke Leopold, Hans Georg Niklaus, Lars-Edvard Laubhold, and others.
