Joel Cohen (musician)

Joel Cohen (born May 29, 1942) is an American musician specializing in early music. Cohen was involved with the Boston Camerata, an American early music ensemble. Cohen studied at Harvard University and furthered his training in Europe, particularly in France, where he also worked with national public radio on early music projects. He is fluent in multiple languages and well-versed in historical performance practices, particularly those of medieval Europe.

Career

Cohen was the Music Director of the Boston Camerata from 1968 to 2008, and is currently Music Director Emeritus. He founded the Camerata Mediterranea ensemble in 1990. He has frequently collaborated with French-born soprano Anne Azéma. From 1992 onward, Cohen and the Boston Camerata collaborated with the Shaker community at Sabbathday Lake (in the US); together they recorded two albums—Simple Gifts and The Golden Harvest—of Shaker songs. Cohen has produced numerous critically-acclaimed recordings, often themed around historical, cultural, or religious concepts, such as A Mediterranean Christmas, Carmina Burana, and The American Vocalist. Many of these are still used in educational and performance settings.

Vision and approach

Cohen often blends music with storytelling, exploring the social and cultural context of the works that he presents. He has a passion for cross-cultural musical traditions, frequently exploring intersections between Western early music, Jewish, Islamic, and other world traditions.

Writings and influence

Joel Cohen has written essays and program notes on the interpretation of early music, and he has been a strong voice in promoting historically-informed performances in the US. He has mentored and inspired many young musicians in the early music scene, contributing to a broad revival of interest in pre-18th-century music.

External links

• more complete discography