Musica Antiqua has been performing antique music since its formation 30 years ago in Cologne, Germany.

usica Antiqua? Doesn’t that basically mean “old music?’ I suppose it does. “Old music” can be an overgeneralized and misinterpreted term. To some, old music may be what has been playing on the Top 40 radio stations for the past four years. This nomenclature of oldness seems to conjure up negative thoughts regarding “old music.” The phrase, “That is, like, totally so circa-2000” comes to mind.

To others, old music may be the music that the present-day Gen X-ers heard their parents blare out in the tape deck, reel out on 8-track player or drop the needle on the turntable. This definition may not have as negative associations as the latter. It really depends on one’s childhood memories. Personally, I wished that I hadn’t heard so much Neil Diamond, Dionne Warwick and John Denver. But “old music” in relation to the previously mentioned Musica Antiqua is literally old music—it is “so totally circa-17th and 18th centuries.”

Among the many concert series in the area, the Virtuoso Series continues its tradition of bringing music of all eras and genres to Libby Gardner Hall. This tradition continues as the concert series will host the Cologne, Germany-based group of musicians, namely Musica Antiqua Köln. Specializing in 17th and 18th century music, Musica Antiqua has garnered several prizes in the recording and performing industry including the Grand Prix International du Disque and the Gramophone Award. Reinhard Goebel and fellow music students at the Conservatory of Music in Cologne, Germany, started 30 years of recording and performing unknown and popularly known works from the early eras. Since the formation of the group, Musica Antiqua has played in almost every music center and festival for the performance of early music. The Chicago Tribune stated that Musica Antiqua’s performance is “not only intellectually satisfying, but also emotionally rewarding.”

The upcoming event on Friday, Nov. 21, can be compared to a similar concert experience that took place last spring with the Academy of Ancient Music, conducted by Andrew Manzie. The England-based group performed to a great crowd that produced a well-received and reviewed performance. Although critics haven’t outright compared Musica Antiqua Köln with their British contemporaries, the reviews seem to point to Musica Antiqua as the more exciting and likable of the two. It will be interesting to compare the two, especially since Manzie and Co. did an exceptional job last year.

Perhaps the 13 instrumentalists of Musica Antiqua can live up to the accolades of major critics. It is your chance to actually see music that isn’t just old, but antique and unique. The live experience of seeing and hearing the music that laid the foundation for the subsequent developments of music is unparalleled. And you might come away from the concert thinking that old school is cool school.

Tickets are cheap for all you students. Call 355-ARTS or just get them at the door. Libby Gardner Hall is located in David Gardner Hall at the northwest end of President’s Circle. Performance time is Friday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
christian@red-mag.com