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
Silent
I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily activities more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a delightful feature. Sharing is caring!
GiddeeUP
ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. The narrator's voice was so pleasant and easy to listen to. They had perfect pacing and made even the slower parts engaging. I found myself looking forward to my commute just to listen more!
Mauve Cactus
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. π‘ Enriching my daily routines with wisdom and wonder β thank you, this app! π±π I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient!
Tan Stallion
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch has streamlined my multitasking. I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. ποΈ This app's user-friendly interface has transformed my daily walks into immersive storytelling sessions. Kudos to the developers! πΆββοΈπ The adjustable playback speed is a revelation. It's like having a personal audiobook narrator at my pace.
Bugger
I'm amazed by the extensive statistics tracking. It's fascinating to see my listening habits. 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!
Flint Cast-Iron
The narrator's voices are so soothing β a perfect way to unwind after a stressful day. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. It's like the app knows what I need.
Eight Patrol
I'm amazed at how this app's features cater to audiobook enthusiasts' every need. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ The app's versatility in audio downloading is impressive. It's a one-stop solution for all my content. Auto-rewind feature is a lifesaver. I never lose my place!
Judge
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. I can't believe how easy it is to download and manage my audio content using ListenBook. ListenBook's support for a variety of audio formats ensures that my audiobook collection is always accessible.
Roller Turtle
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. πΆ Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! π΅π Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. My audio quality has improved dramatically.
Dewdrop Doll
I'm amazed at how this app has seamlessly integrated reading into my daily rhythm. I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient. The narrator was good but spoke a bit too slowly for my taste. I had to speed it up to 1.2x which then made some parts sound slightly unnatural.
Old Regret
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures that my audio needs are met. Tone adjustment is an innovative touch that adds a personal connection to the audiobook narration. It's like having a custom reading experience. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
Roadspike
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient. ListenBookβs playback speed control is very useful. I can listen at my own pace.
Mint Ness
I'm addicted to this app's seamless integration with my daily routines and activities. The interface is so clean and clutter-free. Itβs a pleasure to use.
InsightfulInk
πΆββοΈπ Staying entertained during leisurely walks β audiobooks make outdoor time delightful! πΆββοΈπ§ ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks.
3P-own
Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. A textbook example of great audiobook narration! The performer's diction was flawless, their pacing ideal, and their emotional range impressive. I never felt like I was being "read to" but rather like I was experiencing the story firsthand. The audio engineering was equally professional.
Gold Dahlia
I can't imagine my life without this app β it's my passport to countless stories. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player.
Candy Butcher
ListenBook has made my daily activities more interesting and meaningful β I'm hooked! Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is impressive. ListenBook's dedication to user convenience is evident in the drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark featureβit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Roma Kabuki
ListenBook's audio filters have transformed the way I experience audio content β it's a real game-changer. The library organization feature is a blessing. My audiobooks are finally organized and easy to find. The statistics feature is brilliant. I love seeing how much time I spend on audiobooks with ListenBook. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Eerie Mizzen
The bookmark feature is a lifesaver β no more losing my place in the story! ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a creative feature that adds a personal touch to the experience. Makes listening to audiobooks so easy and enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Fast Draw
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. ππ Road trips have never been this entertaining β this app keeps me engaged on the highway! ππ Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. Tone adjustment adds a unique touch to my listening experience. I'm hooked!
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