Archives des Baroque – Total Baroque Magazine

History

The true Chronicle of Anna Magdalena Bach

21 March, Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday, is also an opportunity to remember Anna Magdalena Bach, his second wife. Recent research has shed new light on her early career as a singer as well as on her essential role as a copyist within the Bach household. Admired for her musical talents, she was known in Leipzig as “the woman Kapellmeister”, a title reflecting the admiration she inspired among her contemporaries.

by Claus Fischer 19 March 2026

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Daniel Pinteño: “Dare to Bet on Spanish Talent!”

Anniversary

10 Years of Concerto 1700 (Spain)

Daniel Pinteño: “Dare to Bet on Spanish Talent!”

On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the Spanish ensemble Concerto 1700, conductor Daniel Pinteño looks back on a journey fuelled by curiosity, musicological commitment, and an enduring love for Spanish Baroque music.

by Gabriel Davigneau 12 June 2025

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Iphigénie en Tauride: Revisiting the Past

CD in four questions

Le Concert Spirituel & Hervé Niquet

Iphigénie en Tauride: Revisiting the Past

Hervé Niquet and Le Concert Spirituel bring Iphigénie en Tauride back to life — a tragédie lyrique co-written by Desmarest and Campra — in a version as scholarly as it is moving.

by Gabriel Davigneau 5 June 2025

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Orkester Nord & Martin Wåhlberg

Ernelinde: Philidor’s Baroque Norway

A forgotten tragédie lyrique, a Norwegian heroine, and music with proto-Romantic fire: Philidor’s Ernelinde returns in blazing form!

by Gabriel Davigneau 29 May 2025

The mystery of the Gottfried Silbermann organ

History

An Investigation in Leipzig

The mystery of the Gottfried Silbermann organ

In Leipzig, many questions are being raised about a small Baroque organ: is it the work of Silbermann or Hildebrandt, two of the greatest builders of their time? Today, the matter is settled, after a true investigation.

by Claus Fischer 15 May 2025

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Sacro Furore: Vivaldi, where the sacred catches fire

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Akamus & Carlo Vistoli

Sacro Furore: Vivaldi, where the sacred catches fire

With Sacro Furore, Carlo Vistoli and the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin (Akamus) take Vivaldi’s sacred music to new expressive heights, where faith, emotional intensity, and vocal flamboyance converge.

by Gabriel Davigneau 15 May 2025

La Voce Strumentale and Dmitry Sinkovsky at the Ambronay Festival

Video of the week

La Voce Strumentale and Dmitry Sinkovsky at the Ambronay Festival

Countertenor and virtuoso violinist at once? For Dmitry Sinkovsky, it’s possible – and he proves it with his ensemble La Voce Strumentale, to the music of Vivaldi, Bach, Locatelli and Telemann.

by Total Baroque 15 May 2025

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Avi Avital in Versailles: Vivaldi’s Mandolin Concertos

Video of the week

Avi Avital in Versailles: Vivaldi’s Mandolin Concertos

Can the mandolin compete with other solo instruments? Avi Avital gives a clear answer — from Versailles, with Vivaldi at his side.

by Total Baroque 8 May 2025

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L’Huomo : An Opera written by Wilhelmine of Bayreuth

Video of the week

L’Huomo : An Opera written by Wilhelmine of Bayreuth

Experience the rebirth of a Baroque masterpiece: historic sets, contemporary video and a rediscovered ballet come together for a timeless performance!

by Total Baroque 1 May 2025

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Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, a success story at the Court of Louis XIV

History

Women composers

Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre, a success story at the Court of Louis XIV

It was under the reign of the Sun King that the first French female opera composer, Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre (1665–1729), was born.

by Clara Gallière 3 April 2025

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CD in four questions

Sophie Junker, {OH!} Orkiestra & Martyna Pastuszka

La Serenissima

With her latest album, soprano Sophie Junker invites listeners on a journey to the heart of La Serenissima—a voyage of dazzling virtuosity and long-forgotten gems.

by Gabriel Davigneau 3 April 2025

Pictures of the Week

Zurich, Milan, New York, Paris

A final curtain call in Zurich, a premiere in Milan, french baroque in New York – and two birthday concerts in Paris!

by Total Baroque 3 April 2025