Shelf Life

Performing early music today is a feat of historical reconstruction as much as musical adaptation. Adding to the musical-historical challenge is the fact that some songs (by Bach, for example) were tailored to the strengths of particular choirs and weren’t intended to outlive their creators. In this episode, we speak with Matt Dean, managing director of Schola Antiqua early music ensemble, and Ikumi Crocoll, Newberry reference librarian, about what goes into reviving early music, why it’s worth the effort, and how there are technical reasons for medieval and Renaissance music being as catchy as Top-40 pop songs. --- (Intro music: "Two Types of Awakenings" by Nheap) --- Visit www.newberry.org/shelf-life for more information about this episode.