About the fundraiser:

We are raising money to have our debut album "Play, Music!" released on Avie, a major classical label. Releasing the album on Avie will ensure that it will reach the widest possible audience. Donating to the campaign through Fractured Atlas enables you to write your donations off in your taxes. Please donate now to help us reach our goal!

About the album:

Our album "Play, Music!" was recorded over four years, and involves the collaboration of more than 20 musicians and singers from around the globe. Not only does it showcase the talents of these artists, but it also highlights an innovative approach taken during challenging times. Amid the isolation of the COVID-19 lockdowns, when artistic collaboration seemed most distant, this album brought artists closer than ever through the magic of remote collaboration. Recorded by an international team of recording engineers, each note and lyric was captured beautifully with the unique stylings of each engineer. "Play, Music!" is a testament to the resilience and creativity of artists coming together to build something truly beautiful in the face of adversity.

About Shakespeare's use of music:

Peter Ackroyd says of the Shakespearean theatre “Words were not the only theatrical reality. There was much music.” In Shakespeare’s lifetime, there would have been a small band of 6 or 7 musicians, including a trumpeter, drums, lutes, and recorders at the Globe Theater. Many of the actors would have been trained in music, played a musical instrument, or at the very least been able to carry a tune. Stage directions even called for characters like Ophelia to enter the stage with a lute. His characters frequently burst into song. Not only fools such as Feste and Touchstone, but unlikely characters such as Hamlet and Iago were required to sing. “It can be argued that Shakespeare was the first dramatist to make song an integral part of the drama and can thus be seen as the begetter of the musical theatre.” -Ackroyd

Foreign visitors frequently commented on the inseparable relationship between music and London's stage performances, further emphasizing its significance. While Shakespeare composed many of the lyrics within his plays, none of the published works included musical notation or indications of the specific tunes to be used for the songs. 

While Shakespeare's manuscripts and folio editions lack musical notation, his plays are rich with references and quotations from the popular songs of his time. These ballads, widely known and cherished, were the soundtrack of daily life—sung in homes, hummed on the streets, and enjoyed by all walks of life. Poets often penned new lyrics for these familiar tunes, while composers crafted variations, breathing new life into well-loved melodies. This practice has allowed "lost" songs to be rediscovered within the text of Shakespeare's works.

Shakespeare didn't merely use popular songs; he wove them into his plays to add layers of meaning and emotion. This use wasn't arbitrary—Shakespeare knew his audience would recognize the song's implications, deepening the impact of a scene. His use of song demonstrates his deep understanding of music's power to evoke emotion and enrich narrative. Through his clever use of musical references, Shakespeare's plays continue to resonate across the centuries.

About THEATRO:

Theatro brings history to life with dynamic performances combining historical music and theater

 

Founded in 2020, our troupe is dedicated to creating memorable theatrical experiences that transport audiences to different eras and places, illuminating the stories of the past in a compelling way.  
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Drawing on our expertise in historical performance, we present a wide range of shows and productions that cover a variety of time periods, from Medieval to Renaissance to the high Baroque and beyond. Our shows are known for their attention to detail, including period languages, costumes, and props, as well as the use of other theatrical elements to create an immersive and authentic atmosphere.

 

Our troupe is comprised of a versatile ensemble of musicians, singers, and actors, who work together to create engaging productions.

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In addition to our performance activities, we are committed to sharing our passion for history, music, and theater with others. We offer a variety of educational programs and outreach activities, including workshops, lectures, and residencies for schools, libraries, and community groups. Through these efforts, we strive to inspire a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of the past and to spark curiosity and imagination in audiences of all ages.

 

At Theatro, we believe that history is not just a collection of dry facts and dates, but a living, breathing, and endlessly fascinating tapestry of human experience. Through the magic of music and theater, we invite you to join us on a journey through time and discover the stories and songs that shape our world.