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
Rummy Stickers
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading fit into every aspect of my life. My daily workouts are more enjoyable now, thanks to seamless integration with Apple Watch.
Springheel Jack
I'm amazed by ListenBook's smooth drag-and-drop downloads in my web browser โ a time-saver! Love the download options. ListenBook gives me so many ways to get my audiobooks onto my device. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Slow Trot
I'm addicted to this app's ability to turn mundane moments into opportunities for intellectual growth. Iโm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
Twinkle Cutlass
Audiobook enthusiasts, rejoice! This app's elegant design and robust functionality make it a must-have for anyone who loves to listen on the go. ๐ง๐ฑ ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature is a time-saving convenience that I greatly appreciate.
Atomic Blastoid
With this app, I've unlocked the secret to reading even on the busiest days. ๐ง Making housework more enjoyable โ audiobooks turn mundane chores into moments of discovery. ๐งน๐ Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. Audiobooks on demand? Yes, please! With this app's diverse format support and easy downloads, my reading routine has reached new heights. ๐๐ Book groups feature keeps series and related titles together. Neat and tidy!
Mint Ness
The fact that ListenBook doesn't just play, but enhances audio quality, is truly remarkable. I love how customizable the playback speed is. It makes listening so much more enjoyable.
Dredd
The quality of the audio is top-notch, making the experience truly immersive. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fun way to experiment with the audiobook experience. Binaural audio processing is a game-changer โ my ears stay comfortable during long listening sessions.
Venious
Background play feature lets me multitask while enjoying a book โ brilliant! The auto-rewind feature is a small detail that enhances my listening experience. It's these thoughtful touches that matter! Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my library. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer.
Manimal
This app has turned my cooking sessions into culinary adventures with a side of stories. This app's user-friendly layout and quick access to controls have made audiobook listening a breeze. Organization made simple โ this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ๐๐ฑ Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. ๐ฑ๐ ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket.
Kamikaze Grandma
This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. ListenBook's sharing options make it a breeze to connect with fellow audiobook enthusiasts and share recommendations. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless.
Minty Devil
I love that I can switch between fiction and non-fiction effortlessly. No more straining my eyes โ this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to introduce others to the joys of audiobook storytelling.
Black Walnut
This app has turned audiobook listening into a daily ritual for me. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app โ it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. ListenBook's commitment to user experience shines through its thoughtful design and seamless functionality. Noise reduction is magic. I can finally enjoy dictaphone recordings without discomfort.
Sky
๐๏ธ๐ง Soaking up the sun while indulging in beach reads โ this app is my ultimate relaxation companion. ๐๏ธ๐ ListenBook has transformed my daily activities into opportunities for learning and enjoyment. Supports all audio formats I use without issues. Very happy. The statistics tracking feature is very useful. ListenBook helps me keep track of my listening time. Iโve been using ListenBook for months, and itโs been a fantastic experience. The app is lightweight, doesnโt drain my battery, and works perfectly in the background. The equalizer and voice boost features are amazing. Highly recommend!
Darkside Orbit
๐ Adding an extra layer of delight to cooking โ this app turns meal prep into a culinary adventure with its audiobooks! ๐ฒ๐ CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged. ListenBook's attention to detail is commendable. Every aspect of the app is well-crafted. 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!
Killer Curio
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. โญ๏ธ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures โ this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! ๐๐ง
Tornado Maker
Looping playback is an invaluable study tool. It helps me absorb complex information effortlessly. I can't get enough of the app's sleek interface and intuitive controls. It's a joy to use! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Kitchen
ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
Toe
๐ฉโ๐ณ Turning cooking sessions into culinary adventures, complete with intriguing tales! ๐ณ๐ง ๐ฑ Carrying stories wherever I go โ this app's convenience allows me to indulge my love for reading on the move. ๐๐๏ธ Bravo to the creators of this app โ they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ๐๐ ListenBook's compatibility with a wide range of audio formats ensures that no audiobook is off-limits. My productivity has soared since I started using ListenBook for my study materials.
Bowie
The app's versatility in downloading audio is impressive. It streamlines the process and saves time. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly. The app is perfect for long walks. It keeps me company the whole time. 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 featureโit saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Black Mustard
ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for. Organization made simple โ this app's efficient management of my audiobook collection ensures that every story is just a tap away. Convenience at its finest. ๐๐ฑ I love the ability to import books from my computer. Itโs so easy. Middle-of-the-road experience. The audiobook was fineโgood narration, decent storyโbut it didnโt leave a lasting impression. If youโre looking for something low-commitment, this works.
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