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Time Travel Through Music

What if you could travel back in time to see and discover what life was like 300 years ago? Philharmonia’s new 35-minute video, Time Travel Through Music, shows how historically-informed performance can do just that. Join Nicholas McGegan and his musicians as they take you on a lively exploration of Early Music in a way that only Philharmonia can.

We started this project as part of Philharmonia’s education program in schools around the Bay Area. We are now making it available educators, students, and the general public free of charge.

In four short, richly informative and entertaining segments, you will learn about the history behind PBO’s music, see and hear our “period” instruments, find out about our rehearsal process, and discover how the audience contributes to our performances.

  • Segment 1: Music in Motion: Always Changing [6’ 10”]
  • Segment 2: Period Instruments: the “Original” Sound [13’ 30”]
  • Segment 3: Working Together: Rehearsals [9’ 20”]
  • Segment 4: Add the Audience: Performance [5’ 20”]

Click on the following link to download Supporting Materials for Time Travel Through Music

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Elizabeth Blumenstock on the Baroque Violin

Violinist Elizabeth Blumenstock talks about her Guarneri violin which dates from 1660.

Bill Skeen on the Baroque Cello

Curious what makes a modern cello different from the instruments used in the time of Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel? Cellist Bill Skeen shows off his cello (which dates from 1680) and discusses some of the key differences – from size to dynamic range, construction, and more.

Nicholas McGegan on Handel’s Messiah

Music Director Nicholas McGegan talks about conducting Handel’s most famous work.

“Sound, Fame” from Purcell’s Dioclesian

An excerpt from Purcell’s The Prophetess; or, the History of Dioclesian