Customer Reviews

Baroque Recorder Quartets "The Nations"

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Actually the time frame for these pieces is the late renaissance through the late baroque, with nary a medieval piece to be found. This is one of the first recordings of the Flanders Recorder Quartet and already exhibits the high standards of repertoire selection, musicianship, and production values that can make four recorders sound like an expressive organ with articulation. Mostly using arrangements, this very talented group of Belgian recorder players extends the recorder's repertoire and makes all the pieces sound idiomatic. They are still going strong, and are one of the leading recorder consorts today, along with the Loeki Stardust Quartet from Amsterdam, Quartet Sirena from Sweden, The Farallon Quartet from Bay Area, CA and Flautando Koln (Cologne).

This instrumental music is the classical music of the Middle Ages: flutes (recorders) and viols (a stringed instrument) as was played in the cathedrals of Europe hundreds of years ago. It is a trip back in time to the high Middle Ages, when music was not so much just "loud sound" but soothing, ephemeral and haunting melodies, like something out of a dream...I would highly recommend this CD to those addicted to Medieval European history (as I am).