H+H Blog

Wow - What a year at H+H!

Wow - What a year at H+H!

July 2, 2019
Dear Friend of the Handel and Haydn Society, Thank you for being a part of the H+H story this past year. Everyone here deeply appreciates your presence at our concerts, your applause, and your support. As memorable as this year was, and as extraordinary as the performances of our H+H orchestra and c[...]
On Being HIP: What is Historically Informed Performance?

On Being HIP: What is Historically Informed Performance?

May 20, 2019
H+H follows Historically Informed Performance practices, commonly shortened to HIP. Because H+H performs music from the 17th though the early-19th centuries, current understanding of the musical traditions associated with those centuries underlies any performance decision.[...]
From the Beauty in Black Artistry Blog: Reggie Mobley and Nigra Sum Sed Formosa

From the Beauty in Black Artistry Blog: Reggie Mobley and Nigra Sum Sed Formosa

April 12, 2019
Happy Sunday, everyone! Today's blog is a guest artist spotlight featuring the esteemed, world-renowned countertenor Reginald Mobley! After starting his classical music career as a member of twice GRAMMY® nominated ensemble Seraphic Fire, Reggie has since appeared with Academy of Ancient Music, Agav[...]
A Message from Harry Christophers

A Message from Harry Christophers

January 24, 2019
It was 2009 when I first signed on as Artistic Director of the Handel and Haydn Society. I came to the organization with the desire to concentrate on our namesakes: Handel and Haydn. My desire was to make the classics sound fresh, to put the music first and to honor the composers by staying true to [...]
On Commission

On Commission

December 26, 2017
Most composers throughout history have written primarily on commission, or at least with specific ensembles and occasions in mind for the first performances of new pieces. This guarantees that their pieces will be played, and usually ensures that the composer will be paid for them. Orchestras and[...]
All That’s Old is New Again (Part 3 of 3)

All That’s Old is New Again (Part 3 of 3)

October 23, 2017
H+H uses period instruments to create an historically-informed presentation of Baroque and Classical music—as close as possible to the composer’s original intent. Interestingly, not all the instruments are available as working antiques. Sometimes we make new instruments to function and sound like th[...]
All That’s Old is New Again (Part 2 of 3)

All That’s Old is New Again (Part 2 of 3)

September 22, 2017
H+H uses period instruments to create an historically-informed presentation of Baroque and Classical music—as close as possible to the composer’s original intent. Interestingly, not all the instruments are available as working antiques. Sometimes we make new instruments to function and sound like th[...]
All That’s Old is New Again (Part 1 of 3)

All That’s Old is New Again (Part 1 of 3)

August 23, 2017
Interestingly, not all the instruments are available as working antiques. Sometimes we make new instruments to function and sound like the originals. Learn about the reproduction of the Basset Horn.[...]
Amadeus: Fact or Fiction?

Amadeus: Fact or Fiction?

July 13, 2017
We are excited to share with you our upcoming performances of “Amadeus” Live, in November. As with so many legendary historical figures, the life of Mozart has generated a wealth of legacies and myths. Here are some of our favorites – what do you think: fact or fiction?[...]
Jealousy, Love, Madness: A Synopsis of Handel's Saul

Jealousy, Love, Madness: A Synopsis of Handel's Saul

April 26, 2016
When Handel wrote Saul in 1738, he could have expected their entire audience to be familiar with the story, taken from the First Book of Samuel. For today's audience, here's a plot synopsis of the dramatic oratorio.[...]
Five Questions for Eric Hoeprich

Five Questions for Eric Hoeprich

March 29, 2016
On April 8 and 10, H+H principal clarinetist Eric Hoeprich performs in Mozart and Beethoven: an intimate chamber program featuring Beethoven's Septet and an arrangement of Mozart's Violin Sonata in B-flat for clarinet and string trio. We spoke with him about the classical clarinet.[...]
Bach's <em>St. John Passion</em> from Leipzig Church to Symphony Hall

Bach's St. John Passion from Leipzig Church to Symphony Hall

March 10, 2016
Three extraordinary musicologists: Ellen Exner, Robin Leaver, and Christoph Wolff, offer insights into Bach's St. John Passion.[...]
Q+A with Fortepianist Robert Levin

Q+A with Fortepianist Robert Levin

February 24, 2016
Acclaimed fortepianist Robert Levin will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 4 with H+H on February 26 and 28. He discusses his career, the evolution of the piano in Beethoven's day, and the risk of improvisation.[...]