The Leiden Choirbooks eng

Five Choir books

Just imagine: a few musicologists know that there are 320 18^th century sonatas lying somewhere in a Dutch archive. Half of them are by great masters such as Vivaldi and Telemann. The other half consists of works written by lesser-known but nonetheless interesting composers. Yet no one performs them or even shows any interest in them. Three hundred and twenty sonatas! Unthinkable, improbable.

A rare legacy from the heyday of St.Peter’s Church in Leiden

Yet that is what has happened to the six choirbooks from St.Peter’s Church. The huge books (measuring 60 x 40 cm. and weighing 15.5 kg. each) were compiled in the 16^th century for the College of the Seven Canonical Hours in that church. Together, they represent Europe’s greatest collection of interrelated polyphonic music. The Egidius Kwartet has dedicated itself to reinstating this hidden top archive treasure of the Netherlands and making it accessible to the public.

Concerts

Starting in 2010, a careful selection from one of the choirbooks will be made each year and performed in a series of concerts.

CD

The record company Etcetera Records has committed itself to the release of six 2CD’s over the next six years.

Research

The artistic director of the Egidius Kwartet, Peter de Groot, together with Paul van Nevel and Professor Eric Jas, will make a selection from each choirbook.

Publications

The Egidius Kwartet will publish all the works from the Leiden Choirbooks that have not so far appeared in a modern edition. In addition to this, a popular-science book is planned for 2011.

Education

This project offers numerous opportunities in the area of education. The quartet will make itself available to give presentations, guest lectures and workshops for professionals and amateurs alike.

Exhibition and displays

During the concert series, the public will be offered ample opportunity to find out more about the choir books and even to examine them.