These selected essays by conductor Andrew Parrott reflect the thinking behind some four decades of his ground-breaking performances and recordings. Bringing together seminal writings on the performance expectations of, amongst others, Monteverdi, Purcell and J. S. Bach, this volume also includes the full version of a major new article calling into question the presumed historical place of the 'countertenor' voice. Focusing primarily on vocal and choral matters, the time span is broad (some five centuries) and the essays multifarious (from extensive scholarly articles to radio broadcasts). Authoritative, provocative and readable, Parrott's writing is packed with information of value to scholars, performers, students and curious listeners alike. ANDREW PARROTT is the founder and director of the Taverner Consort, Choir and Players. His book The Essential Bach Choir (The Boydell Press, 2000) has been acclaimed as 'a brilliant piece of research' (BBC Radio 3); 'utterly fascinating' (Gramophone); and 'a document which will itself no doubt be a subject of study for years to come' (Times Literary Supplement). TABLE OF CONTENTS Composers' Intentions, Performers' Responsibilities A Brief Anatomy of Choirs Falsetto Beliefs: The 'countertenor' cross-examined Falsetto and the French: 'une toute autre marche' Transposition in Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610: An 'aberration' defended Monteverdi's Vespers of 1610 Revisited Monteverdi: Onwards and downwards High Clefs and down-to-earth Transposition: A brief defence of Monteverdi Performing Purcell How many singers? Vocal Ripienists and J. S. Bach's Mass in B minor Bach's Chorus: The Leipzig line J. S. Bach's Trauer-Music for Prince Leopold: Clarification and reconstruction Performing Machaut's Mass on record - Review 'Grett and solompne singing': Instruments in English church music before the Civil War Monteverdi's L'Orfeo - performance notes Purcell's Dido & Aeneas on record - Radio Review 'Hail! bright Cecilia' (Purcell at 350) - Radio Essay