Ensemble Galilei was a guest on NPR's Talk of the Nation program on Monday, December 16th. For details, visit the show's archive page.
Renowned Scottish folk singer Jean Redpath joins Ensemble Galilei for an evening of Celtic, early, and original music. From the courts of medieval Spain and 18th century France to the Isles of Scotland and Ireland, this ensemble reflects the passion of traditional music.Ensemble Galilei is made up of five women who bring their own perspectives to music making. The ensemble takes its name and inspiration from the life of composer Vincenzo Galilei, whose influence, some four hundred years ago, helped restore a vital element of passion to the music of the day. Including both classically-trained and folk-trained musicians, the Ensemble infuses ancient music with a spirit of improvisation and liveliness. Performances move from lush Baroque interpretations of 18th century Irish airs to infectious reels and jigs, from haunting Welsh melodies to Galician Waltzes and Breton dance tunes. To achieve their unique Celtic sound, Ensemble Galilei has melded chamber music with traditional folk music. A blend of instruments─fiddle, Celtic harp, recorders, penny whistle, oboe, viola da gamba, and percussion─evoke musical images of the ancient Celts. While exploring the wealth of Scottish oral tradition, Jean Redpath has also devoted a large portion of her professional life to the songs of Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns. MORE INFO: Ensemble Galilei's Site or Jean Redpath's Site
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