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Super Librum, founded in 1985, is internationally acclaimed for its historically accurate performances of medieval music. The name of the ensemble has been chosen with care: playing 'super librum' (literally 'above the book') was the traditional manner of performance during the Middle Ages. Super Librum is one of the few ensembles to incorporate this playing practice in its performances. Super Librum is directed by Jankees Braaksma, who plays the recorder and the organetto. In 1986, Super Librum was awarded the first prize at the 'Competition for Ensembles of Early Music' (now known as 'Van Wassenaer Competition') and in 1987 gained a distinction as one of the finalists at the Musica Antiqua Competition at Bruges, Belgium. |
Super Librum often cooperates with specialists educated at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Switzerland, the only College of Music in Europe to have a specialised course in medieval music on its curriculum.
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Jankees Braaksma studied recorder at the conservatories of Groningen and Amsterdam with Jeanette van Wingerden, Kees Boeke and Baldrick Deerenberg. With a stipend from the city of Groningen he studied medieval music at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis in Basel. Braaksma is not only a recorder player but also plays four medieval organs built by Winold van der Putten: three portatives and the larger instrument heard on this recording. The four organs belong to the collection of Super Librum, the ensemble for medieval music that Braaksma began in 1985. The study of ancient improvisation practices is the main accent of Super Librum. Super Librum appears at most European early music festivals. Jankees Braaksma is a guest teacher at various conservatories in The Netherlands and Germany. |