Search - Lieven Termont, Diego Ortiz, William [Composer] Byrd :: Magic: Flanders Recorder Quartet and Friends

Incredible

b__2 | 12/05/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Flanders Recorder Quartet (FRQ) are the finest group of recorder players working today. This CD tells you why. Their virtuosity shines in almost every track, even when playing an accompanying role to the fine singers that joined them on some of the tracks.The FRQ play wonderful instruments made for them by the world's best makers. They used 17 of the 100+ they own in this recording. Balancing their high-pitch instruments (sopranos and higher) with their low pitch instruments is a key part of this CD - they pick the right mix of recorders for each track and arranged the tracks so that you get the full experience and don't get too tired of one particular set of sounds. For pure recorder playing, Sweelink's Ballo del Gran Duca is my favorite. It is played with "high-low" recorders that balance the sweetness of the upper part with a full but sonorous bass. It is amazing how full a 4-part piece can sound. The "low" recorders are used with great effect with the emotional laments accompanying the singers.The mixed ensembles produce some great results. In particular the Saltarello and the Recercade No. 1 show what good things happen when pluckers and bangers join in. The 12-minute Saltarello in doubly amazing in that it was an improvisation. CDs can only hold so much music - look to their other recordings to learn that FRQ has mastered the recorder literature from medieval to modern.One more point in favor of this CD - the liner notes are substantial and informative. In particular, you can match an instrument you hear to a performer. Buy this CD - you won't be disappointed."