The world-renowned Piffaro, The Renaissance Band, brings its captivating and historically informed performances to the stage with an exploration of one of the most remarkable stories of musical migration in the 16th century. The MSU College of Music proudly presents this extraordinary concert as part of the 2024-2025 Taylor Johnston Early Music Series, an annual tradition that celebrates the richness of Early Music and its impact on culture, history, and innovation.
An early predecessor of the modern bassoon, the dulcian—shown here in alto, soprano, tenor, and bass—was widely used in the 16th and 17th centuries.
On Tuesday, January 21st at 7:30 p.m., Piffaro will perform “All Excellent and Esteemed” at Fairchild Theatre. This concert delves into the story of the Bassano family, an Italian-Jewish dynasty of wind players whose move from Italy to England during the reign of Henry VIII reshaped the trajectory of instrumental music. Through their artistry, the Bassano family pushed the boundaries of instrumental performance and repertoire, leaving an indelible mark on the English musical landscape.
Piffaro delights audiences with its masterful recreations of wind band works from the late Medieval and Renaissance periods. Known as the “pied-pipers of Early Music,” the ensemble boasts an ever-expanding collection of period instruments, including shawms, dulcians, sackbuts, recorders, krummhorns, bagpipes, lutes, guitars, and a wide array of percussion. These carefully modeled instruments, based on historical designs, lend an unparalleled authenticity and elegance to their performances.
This program will transport audiences to the rich cultural times of the 16th century, showcasing the music that defined the Bassanos’ legacy and the vibrant cross-cultural exchanges of the period. Through their meticulous research and exceptional artistry, Piffaro continues to bring Early Music to life, preserving and celebrating its timeless beauty for modern audiences.
Other upcoming Early Music Series events at Fairchild Theatre include:
The entire series is generously sponsored by the Taylor Johnston Early Music Series Endowment established by Taylor Johnston. Dr. Johnston was an MSU professor for 51 years and passed away in 2019. His long-time passion for music, particularly Early Music, led him to establish the annual series.
Reserved seating tickets for this and other performances in the series are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors (age 60 and older), and $7 for students with ID and anyone under 18, and can be purchased online (music.msu.edu), by calling (517) 353-5340, or at the door. More information about the Taylor Johnston Early Music Series and other events can be found at music.msu.edu/events.
