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
Eye Devil
ListenBook's unlimited length of audiobooks with the Pro version is a fantastic value for avid listeners. This app has made me realize that I don't need a lot of time to read. π Embracing a new reading habit with this app's seamless accessibility. Say goodbye to boredom! π±π
Necessary Momentum
My kids are hooked on the children's audiobook collection β it's a parenting win! Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. π±π Navigating through chapters is a breeze with ListenBook. It's easy to jump to specific sections. 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!
Winter Bite
ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. With this app, my audiobook library is organized and accessible, making my reading journey effortless. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed.
K-Tin Man
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and seamless playback have made it my go-to app. The audio quality is superb. ListenBook enhances my audiobook experience.
Fast Draw
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay enhances my daily commute, making it a productive and enjoyable experience. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook Pro adds a personalized touch to my audiobook experience.
Reed Lady
ListenBook's compatibility with various formats has made it my go-to app for all audio content. Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. Effortless audiobook exploration β this app's functionality is a true delight. Seamless audiobook integration β this app's design is remarkable. Bookmarks are a fantastic organizational tool. They help me keep track of important moments in my audiobooks.
360
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. The app is very intuitive. ListenBook makes finding and playing audiobooks simple.
9Lives
The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. The subtle background music at key moments enhanced the experience without being distracting. More audiobooks should use this technique when appropriate!
DragonBlood
ListenBook has become my workout companion of choice. It keeps me motivated and entertained during exercise. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings. Unlimited audiobook length with ListenBook Pro is a game-changer. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. ListenBook makes my commute enjoyable. The audio filters really enhance the listening experience.
Berlin Kamikaze
This app has made waiting in lines and queues an opportunity for exploration and enjoyment. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs.
ThermalMode
Listening statistics motivate me to read more. Excellent feature! ListenBookβs design is sleek and modern. The app is a pleasure to use.
Devil Blade
This app has turned long waits into exciting opportunities to dive into a new story. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. ListenBook's intuitive layout and quick access to chapters make audiobook navigation a breeze.
Third Moon
πΆπ Replacing melodies with literary symphonies β my ears are in love! π΅π π§ Finally, an app that understands my need for convenience and ease of use! Audiobooks have never been this accessible. ππ± Audiobooks at my fingertips β this app's functionality is a true marvel.
Parallax Sugar
I'm hooked on this app's effortless downloading process β I can have my favorite audiobooks in seconds. I can't imagine my daily activities without this app β it's the perfect way to stay engaged and informed. π Bedtime stories for adults? Yes, please! This app is a dream come true. ππ ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats is impressive. From MP3 to FLAC, it handles them all flawlessly. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends.
Day Hawk
I can't get enough of this app's easy navigation and quick access to chapters and playback controls. This app's user-friendly controls and sleek design have made audiobook listening a truly immersive journey.
Low Menace
Seamless integration with all my devices and flawless synchronization β top-notch. The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Plegasus
No more carrying heavy books β this app has transformed my reading habits. This app is my audiobook haven. With a user-friendly interface and features like audio filters, I'm engrossed in stories like never before. ππ The app's compatibility with CarPlay enhances my driving experience. Audiobooks on the road have never been better. The app is super intuitive. I was up and running in minutes.
Fl00d
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. I can't imagine a day without this app β it has made my audiobook journey seamless and fulfilling.
Flash Protein
With ListenBook, every moment is an opportunity to explore new stories and gain knowledge. This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go β it's like carrying a library in my pocket. The tone adjustment feature in ListenBook Pro is a novel addition that allows me to personalize my audiobook experience.
ThoughtTracer
Bravo to the creators of this app β they've truly captured the essence of convenient audiobook enjoyment. The smooth playback and thoughtful design have won me over. ππ Listening to audiobooks on my iPad has never been easier. Highly recommend ListenBook!
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