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
Dorothy Solitaire
ListenBook's comprehensive support for a wide range of audio formats sets it apart from other audiobook apps. ListenBook's Pro version is worth every penny. The noise reduction feature makes even noisy environments an ideal place for immersive listening.
Dropkick
Audiobooks have never been this accessible β this app is a true innovation. ListenBook's compatibility with various formats ensures I never miss out on any audio gem. I can't imagine my life without this app β it has made audiobook enjoyment effortless and convenient. Finally, an app that lets me organize my audiobooks effortlessly. The library organization and book groups feature make navigation a breeze. CUE playlist support is a fantastic feature that allows me to create curated listening experiences for different moods and settings.
Fire Fish
I'm able to enjoy books in a whole new way β while cooking, working out, or even gardening. ListenBook is like a personal audiobook curator, allowing me to enjoy my favorite speeches and lectures with unmatched comfort and convenience. Tone adjustment is such an innovative feature. It adds a personal touch to narration. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Free Ham
I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn even the most mundane tasks into exciting opportunities for learning. π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ Adjusting the narrator's voice tone is a fantastic feature. It adds a personal touch.
Predator
Frequent updates ensure there's always something new and exciting to listen to. Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. π± An entire library at my fingertips β this app is a book lover's dream come true! ππ ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. is a breeze with ListenBook. It's convenient and efficient.
Napoleonic Haze
I've been recommending this app to all my friends β it's a true game-changer. The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make every moment a reading moment. The app's support for different audio formats is like a dream come true for audiophiles.
Bourbon Mirage
The offline mode is a lifesaver on flights β I'm never without a good story. Being able to adjust playback speed suits everyone's preferences β a thoughtful feature. As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. Efficiency and ease combined β this app is a must-have for book lovers. Savoring audiobooks without fuss β this app's design is impressive.
Nueva Nova
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading a seamless part of my life. Thanks to ListenBook, downloading audiobooks is a hassle-free process, regardless of the source. Automatic metadata retrieval is a neat touch. My library is well-organized.
Poppy Coffee
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. ListenBook's intuitive controls and features have made it my preferred choice for audiobooks.
Cool Whip
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences β time flies by! ποΈ Basking in the sun while indulging in literary adventures β this app makes outdoor relaxation even better. βοΈπ
Frosty
ListenBook has transformed my daily rituals into cherished opportunities for personal growth. ListenBook's library organization keeps my audiobooks neat and accessible. A true organizational lifesaver! Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that sets this app apart.
Sky
The absence of synchronization requirements on ListenBook is a breath of fresh air. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment enhance the listening experience significantly.
Knight Light
Language courses on audiobooks helped me pick up a new language effortlessly. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Cardinal Rebel
The ability to highlight passages and take notes while listening is a fantastic feature. πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ
3D Waffle
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. πͺ Achieving double wins β workouts become invigorating with stories to fuel my motivation! πͺπ§ ππ Exploring stories even with my eyes off the page β this app is a bedtime dream! π΄π§
Gold Bentley
The app's ability to extract artwork and metadata automatically is a huge time-saver. Playback speed and volume controls are top-notch. Highly recommend.
Eerie
Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a wonderful way to spread the joy of storytelling. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. Auto-rewind is incredibly helpful. Excellent functionality.
Goldman
π§ Satiate your reading cravings while managing household affairs β this app has it all! ππΌ Simplifying audiobook adventures β this app's ease of use is a delight. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. The app's performance is exceptional, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audiobook experience. It's clear that it's designed with audiobook enthusiasts in mind. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Lord Theus
Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ I can't believe how easy it is to download audio from various sources. So convenient! Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended!
MeeP
πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections.
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