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Academy of St Martin in the Fields

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

The Academy of St Martin in the Fields is an English orchestra from London. It was founded by John Churchill, at the time musician at the church of St Martin-in-the-Fields, and by Neville Marriner. The first concert was on 13 November 1959 in that church. It began as a small string orchestra without a conductor. Wind players were added later, and the orchestra now plays repertoire from the Baroque to contemporary music.

Music and breakthrough

The performances of the early years played an important part in the revival of Baroque music in England. Marriner himself played solo parts until 1969 and led the orchestra on recordings until the autumn of 1970. After that he stood in front of the group as conductor. Many records date from that period, such as Concertos For Oboe And Strings from 1965, The Four Seasons from 1970 and Music for the Royal Fireworks / Water Music from 1972. In 1974 László Heltay founded a choir that belonged to the orchestra. The choir and the orchestra together recorded the soundtrack album of Amadeus, from 1984, and the UEFA Champions League Anthem.

Influence

In 1993 the orchestra became the first to receive the Queen's Award for Export Achievement. Since 2011 the violinist Joshua Bell has been music director. The orchestra shows that classical music can also reach a large audience through the record industry, and it forms a bridge between the classical world and film music.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to the orchestra in The Four Seasons and notice the clear, light string sound with which the four concertos are played.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists