THE PLAYFORDS
earlymusic folk

Björn Werner –Vocals
Annegret Fischer – Recorders
Erik Warkenthin – Lute, Chitarrone, Baroque Guitar
Benjamin Dressler – Viola da Gamba
Nora Thiele – Percussion

The Playfords stands for authentic & innovate interpretation of dance music of the Renaissance and the Early Baroque. On period instruments they perform early music in new, thrilling arrangements that come to life through impromptu improvisations in cooperation with dancers. The improvisations ripen during stage and concert performances. The five-headed ensemble, was founded in 2001, the inspiration for its creation being John & Henry Playford's The English Dancing Master. This collection of dance music, published for the first time in 1651, consists of a variety of well-known melodies from that time together with dancing instructions. Harmonies and bass lines were found through improvisation by the performing musicians, suiting their individual preferences and skills, which is a welcome challenge for every musician's virtuosic creativity - in those days like today. With their playful approach to early music The Playfords join this tradition and thus the tingue-in-cheek references to contemporary music seem inevitable. Their Early Music Jam Sessions have already gained cult status, and with their earlymusicfolk the Playfords entertain and impress audiences in Germany and abroad. Since 2005 The Playfords performed a.o. at Festival „Oude Muziek Utrecht“ 2007 (Fringeprogramme), Gewandhaus zu Leipzig 2008, Arolser Barockfestspielen 2010, Schloss Tirol 2010 as well as MDR-Musiksommer 2011 & 2012. 2007 the Debut CD „Oranges & Lemons“ was released, followed by the Christmas CD "Nova! Nova!" in 2010 and in the following year "Fa una Canzone". In autumn 2014 the new programme "Shakespeare's Song Book" will be released at the Label Raumklang. Since their 10-year jubilee in 2011 The Playfords are organizing their own Festival Playground for historical improvisation, early music&folk in Weimar. They give workshops and cooperate with dancing masters like Mareike Greb and Bernd Niedecken. 	

www.the-playfords.de
www.playgroundfestival.de


Ensemble The Playfords is following

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