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
InsightfulInk
ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. 🔥 Spicing up my routine with this app – it's like having a personal storyteller on hand at all times! ✨📖
Saber-RED
Looping playback is a study aid sent from heaven. It's helping me ace my exams! ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook experience. I can't imagine going back!
Easy Mac
Audiobooks on this app have expanded my horizons and introduced me to new ideas. I can't believe how convenient this app has made my reading experience. 💼 Elevating my work-from-home routine with this app's delightful audiobook selection! 💻📖 Accessing literary treasures has never been this straightforward – thank you, app! This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
Master Jetson
Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. The range of supported formats is astounding. No more compatibility issues! ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book.
Poptart AK47
I've become so much more productive while cleaning or exercising – thanks to this app! If you love stories but have a busy schedule, this app is your solution! 🏃♀️🌟 Experiencing stories while staying active – this app's functionality enhances my walks and runs like never before. 🎧🏞️ ListenBook’s CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
NecroBull
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience – it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. Audiobooks have turned my quiet moments into imaginative journeys – thank you, app! Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable! Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
Master Jetson
This app has reignited my passion for reading, and I'm forever grateful. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Father Abbot
ListenBook's sleek design and intuitive controls make it my go-to app for audiobooks. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life.
Canine Hannibal
I love how this app seamlessly integrates into my busy schedule, making multitasking a breeze. Audiobook multitasking made simple – this app's design is a game-changer. I love the bookmarking feature. ListenBook makes it easy to pick up where I left off.
HighBomber
💪 Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier – this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. 💼📖 Tone adjustment adds a new layer of personalization to my audiobook experience. It's like having the narrator tailor the voice to my preferences. The narrator's voice took some getting used to - a bit nasal at first - but I grew to like it after a few chapters. Their pacing was excellent throughout.
Sexual Chocolate
This app's convenience has turned my exercise sessions into enlightening moments. I’m 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!
Uncle Psycho
I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay has made my drives more informative.
Wooden Man
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. This app's convenience has made me fall in love with audiobooks all over again. Audiobook multitasking made easy – this app's functionality is a marvel. Great for multitasking! I listened while cooking, driving, and even working out, and it kept me entertained the whole time. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, and the story flowed smoothly. Very enjoyable!
Jersey
👀📚 Falling asleep to audiobooks has never been easier – this app's soothing voices 😴🎧 Audiobook enthusiasts, celebrate! This app's thoughtful features, like auto-rewind and easy chapter navigation, cater perfectly to our reading cravings. 🎉📚
New Cycle
The 'Explore' feature has introduced me to authors I might never have discovered otherwise. ListenBook has become my workout companion. It keeps me engaged and entertained during exercise. The app's compatibility with CarPlay is a fantastic bonus. It keeps me entertained during long drives. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience. This was an adequate audiobook for casual listening. The narrator maintained a consistent pace and clear diction throughout, though their performance lacked some emotional range. The audio quality was fine with no significant technical distractions.
EchoEnigma
Audiobooks have made my long drives enjoyable, and this app is my co-pilot. ListenBook's beautiful layout and quick access to chapters make navigation effortless. This app has broadened my literary horizons, introducing me to new authors. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. This app's convenience has turned me into an avid audiobook listener.
CuriousCrafter
I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. Not bad, but not amazing either. The narrator’s voice was pleasant, though some parts felt a bit rushed. The story had its moments, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it over similar titles in the genre.
Coma Stalk
ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening. Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature!
Wanted Candy
Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personal touch to my experience. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
NexusNavigator
This app has made multitasking a breeze – I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that enhances the immersion in the content.
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