Book description
Financial Times - BEST BOOKS OF 2023'This superb account of how that glorious institution came into being will give you deep and abiding pleasure' Stephen FryWhen harpsichordist Christopher Hogwood and record producer Peter Wadland founded the Academy of Ancient Music in 1973, their mission was to create Britain's first orchestra devoted to recording baroque and classical music on period instruments. They went on to change the musical world. Their success brought the AAM global fame - bringing historically informed performance into the mainstream and putting Vivaldi into the pop charts. But then the orchestra faced a new challenge: reinventing itself to survive and thrive in the world its own success had created.For the first time, Richard Bratby tells the story of this trailblazing orchestra and the people who shaped it: fifty years of innovation, exploration and musical adventure, from the pioneering days of the early 1970s to new directions - and new triumphs - in the 21st century. 'An uplifting, anecdote-packed account of the Academy of Ancient Music [...]' Lucie Skeaping'The refiner's fire of AAM still burns brightly: this book tells us why. From the Marquis of Granby to the Hollywood Bowl; an illuminating account of a musical revolution.' Catherine Bott'Using a mass of archival material and many interviews, Refiner's Fire is a lively account of the orchestra's history, of Christopher Hogwood himself and of the other essential players (literal and figurative).' Emma Kirkby
Kamikaze Granny
ListenBook's dedication to optimizing for iOS 16 ensures a seamless experience on the latest devices. I'm thrilled that ListenBook offers both basic and advanced features to cater to all types of users. ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to curate themed listening sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging audiobook experience.
Marshmallow Treat
The compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch sets ListenBook apart from the rest. Audiobooks made simple β this app's functionality is a breath of fresh air. Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience. This was a workmanlike audiobook that did the job without flair. The narration was clear and the pacing appropriate, though the delivery lacked some emotional depth. The production quality was acceptable with no major technical issues.
3D Waffle
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. Tone adjustment is such a unique feature. It's like customizing the narrator's voice. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Trigger Warming
ListenBook's smooth playback and easy navigation ensure that my audiobook experience is always top-notch. With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. With this app, I can switch seamlessly between my iPhone and iPad, making my reading experience continuous. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ Looping playback and shuffle features keep my audiobook sessions engaging and fresh.
TrinitySoul
Binaural audio processing on ListenBook is a thoughtful addition that keeps my ears comfortable during extended listening sessions. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature!
Pinball Esq
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule.
NoiseFire
Unwinding with a good audiobook has become my favorite self-care ritual. Makes listening to audiobooks easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
Pink Stream
The app's reliability and ease of use make it a true gem in the world of audiobooks. ListenBook's support for CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it an essential companion for my daily commutes and workouts. It's convenience at its finest! Finally, an app that supports a wide range of audio formats! It's a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Marbles
I love how this app turns even the dullest tasks into exciting storytelling moments. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app β it's a companion.
Ginger Chaos
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. ListenBook is a prime example of user-centered design. It's clear that the developers understand audiobook lovers' needs. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience.
ZenaCake
The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook! Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Spicy Thunder
This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever. The playback speed control is a game-changer. ListenBook lets me listen at my own pace.
Easy Mac
I've never been this excited about my daily commute β thank you, audiobooks! Noise reduction on ListenBook Pro is impressive. My recordings sound crystal clear.
Uncle Buddy
πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ Fairly enjoyable, but forgettable. I didnβt have any major complaints, but I also donβt see myself revisiting this one. It was a decent way to spend a few hours, though.
NexusNomad
Audiobook enjoyment redefined β this app's design focuses on the essentials. ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options have made audiobook revisiting and studying a breeze. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook consumption habits. Sharing audiobooks via AirDrop is incredibly convenient. Great feature! I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient.
Black Mustard
This app is my travel companion β making long journeys enjoyable and insightful. I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. π Transforming long drives into memorable journeys through the magic of audiobooks! ππ Effortlessly accessing my favorite audiobooks has become a reality, all thanks to this app's user-centric design and comprehensive format support. A must-download! π±π§ Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fun way to personalize the listening experience.
Dark Matter
ListenBook has become my go-to app for all things audio β from lectures to speeches, it's got it all. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful.
Uncle Psycho
ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§ π The ease and functionality of this app make it my go-to choice for immersive audiobook experiences. π±π§
Star Jammer
ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars!
MythMaker
Audiobooks have become my companion during long walks, transforming exercise into a pleasure. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience