Abril / Staszewski - Fantasia Iberica - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

When Trios For 4 was first released the Palladian Ensemble was riding high following a sell-out 'Rising Stars' concert series in Europe with performances at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Konzerthaus Wien, Frankfurt Alte Oper, and London's South Bank Centre. Together Rachel Podger, Pamela Thorby, Susanne Heinrich and William Carter formed a quartet of the highest calibre; confirmed by the solo successes each went on to enjoy in their respective careers. In a cleverly chosen programme the Palladian Ensemble perform works by Handel, Telemann, Leclair and Quantz which perfectly demonstrate the diversity of styles typical of the eighteenth century. The works have been uniquely adapted to suit the Palladian Ensemble's scoring of recorder, violin, viola da gamba and guitar / archlute. This joyful recording is full of Palladian Ensemble characteristics - namely their ability to present baroque chamber music infused with style, uninhibited virtuosity and intelligent musicianship. Originally released in 1997, Trios For 4 has been re-issued as part of Linn's ECHO series which offers a second chance to enjoy the best of the tag's award-winning catalogue. In a career spanning more than fifteen years, the Palladian Ensemble was renowned on the international stage with a reputation synonymous with excellence in baroque performance. Constant critical acclaim, a reputation for stylish playing full of verve and vitality alongside a warm, spontaneous on-stage manner led this virtuoso ensemble to give numerous concert performances. The Palladian Ensemble won the prestigious Diapason d'Or Award on five occasions, (1993, 1994, 1998, 1999 and 2000) and has twice had albums named Gramophone 'Critics' Choice'. Gramophone also described the Palladian Ensemble as 'one of the best chamber ensembles currently in business.'

Trondheim Symphony Orchestra - Saint Olav Drama [COMPACT DISCS] date 06/26/1997

They played from towers and plazas, in town halls and churches, on feast days and to sound the alarm; they played for kings and landed gentry, for church dignitaries and diplomatic envoys, but also for the entertainment of the common people the musicians of the alta capella or wind band, active throughout Europe between the fourteenth and eighteenth centuries. Many of these musicians, who were often organized in guilds and paid by the ruling council of their cities, were masters of not just one instrument, but many, playing at the highest level of quality and with astounding virtuosity. In Spain, they were called ministriles, and we aim to present their magnificent music- particularly from the InchSiglo de OroInch or Golden Age of Spain between 1550 and 1600- on this album in all it's varied aspects and as many different contexts as possible.