Reviews
There is absolute control in their magnificent style: the clear, effervescent trills and embellishments , two-part oboe and violin dialogues with virtuoso bassoon counterpart, and the grand music of the violone added to the clavichord’s steady, rich harmonies. All this covers any technical difficulty.
Burghauser Anzeiger, 21.01.2010
The ensemble gave a concert that was full of feeling, with character and appeal, great accuracy and bursting vitality. Musical excerpts performed with seductive charm. The largo and exact timing created a delightful musical rendering of butterflies drawing their nectar in the sun…
Pfälzischer Merkur 29.9.2009
Making music with great vitality, based on a confident feel of sound and the highest perfection in playing together, were the guarantee for this pleasantly stirring concert… it was particularly stimulating to get carried away by the musical “chiaroscuro” – the bassoon in motion on the low, warm sounds, the oboe enjoying the high ones – and to take pleasure in their dialogues.
Die Rheinpfalz 29.9.2009
Particularly special in this formation of “Epoca Barocca quartet ” is the rich variety of combinations, offered in the course of the concert. The joy of playing, extremely imaginative musicality, and an ensemble harmonious to the very finest detail…
Cuxhavener Nachrichten 12.9.2009
At times with a dramatic expression, then again with brilliant, exciting looks, Miss Vajente intones mournful chants or sparkling “coloratura” in a bronze sounding timbre… excruciating sounds… an excellent ensemble…
Weser Kurier 11.9.2009
A grand success for the performance of the ensemble EPOCA BAROCCA… throughout the evening they showed excellent harmony and a remarkable performing gift…
Corriere Viterbese 30.08.2009
From the very first notes, the rich yet soft sound of the baroque instruments was spellbinding. The trio-sonata offered the three performers a chance to develop sensations of handsome structure and incredible subtlety.
Traunreuter Anzeiger 12.8.2009
The concert had been sold out for weeks. Their perfect unison was amazing. A vibrant success with the audience.
Ruppiner Anzeiger 26.7.2009
A trio that carried you away, from fully expressive cantabile to outbursts of virtuosity, with the sparkling sounds of the oboe and the full ones of the bassoon. The vibrant, vigorous soprano, with her full resounding voice, ideally represented baroque passion, going from stirring music of love to joyous triumph in rich coloratura.
Schwäbische Zeitung 13.5.2009
It was not just the inhabitants of Wismar being able to attend a sensational concert, but also an impressively large number of visitors and tourists. Surely one of the best concerts of the series...first-rate artists. A performance, a concert, actually setting a high point of excellence.
MV-Schlagzeilen 7.3.2009
The oboe weaves melodious garlands while the basson and the viola da gamba radiate dark sounds and a silver filigreed harpsicord provides the structure for these soft interlacements. Making music with such delicate sound as the musicians of Epoca Barocca brought to the stage of the Festaal...
Donau Kurier Ingolstadt 4.12.2008
Epoca Barocca carries us into Platti's marvelous world of sound... musically most sensitive, and I really like it...
Robert Strobl – Toccata – September/Oktober 2008
Listening carefully to the lovely sounds, in this case also in the different roles represented by the four artists: as soloists, in a duo, trio or quartet, one could always catch the longing and joy for this music. The excitement had a lasting effect.
Eckernförder Zeitung – 8.07.2008
A bold minuet marked the end of the concert, then extended applause led the musicians to grant an encore of an excerpt from their repertoire.
Kieler Nachrichten – 8.7.2008
…they are absolutely compelling, so this recording can be unconditionally recommended. Along with Camerata Koln, this ensemble can count on some of the best interpreters of German 18th century music
Johann van Veen - Toccata - March/April 2008
… they were all able to demonstrate not merely the characteristics of their instruments, but also their art in playing skilfully…
Helweger Anzeiger - 26.02.2008
As of the very first measures the musicians carried the audience to another, better world. With great motivation and eloquent body motion, the performers gave life to this music in a perfect ensemble style.
Wesfälische Rundschau - 25.2.2008
…a grand musical event… The program was organized in an interesting manner, presenting prevalently pieces that are rarely performed, and offer something special to the senses, through pleasant melody as well as intense sound… Robust applause was the reply to a generous artistic gift.
Sauerland Kurier – 24.02.2008
The ensemble performed with almost entirely new personnel. It is not surprising that Baroque music had a different sound in this concert. However, they played even better! Epoca Barocca, whatever the formation, is a guarantee of first-rate, festive performances, with no stale residue from the past.
Rhein Neckar Zeitung – 21.01.2008
… some unfamiliar or rarely performed excerpts; the sizeable audience enthusiastically applauded the four musicians who played exhibiting their excellent technical and artistic skill… The instruments blend in a musical fashion that is deliberate and full of character, free from any academic weightiness…
Rheinische Post 03.01.2008
… they accurately display the characteristic of their instrument, at the same time entering a painstaking musical dialogue, characterized by a responsive and relaxed feeling.
Fono Forum - 01.2008
…the soparano Silvia Vajente, rich in temperament and first-rate enunciation… lets herself get carried away by the music… also, the tone of her voice blends superbly with the sensitive, clear and incisive sound of the woodwinds…
Pamina – Klassik online – 17.12.2007
Listening to a sound of muffled dynamics, subsisting by means of accurate expression replacing volume… NON SO ASSOLUTAMENTE COSA SIGNIFICA! music so rich in composition ideas, at the height of its atmosphere, and with the option of demonstrating the technique and interpretation skills of the performers.
Der Patriot – 12.12.2007
…a switch over from a dynamic Allegro to a Largo filled with obsequious feeling, to the lively allegro. An extraordinary success celebrated by the audience with long applause.
Rhein Post – 14.11.2007
“Epoca Barocca” stands out through its accurate, solid, polished style, free from any trace of overwhelming ardour and excitement.
Kölnische Rundschau – 6.8.2007
An extremely accurate and confident artistic performance… full of feeling and powerful… an exceedingly moving and intense evening, at the highest artistic level.
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger – 6.8.2007
The radiant star of the evening is the soprano Silvia Vajente… with a voice that is warm and clear at the same time, not merely carrying out the vocal lines admirably, but also singing each distinct word… an excellent soprano… The flexible and masterful performance of the instruments lends the accompaniment a rich range of color and sound variations.
Badischer Zeitung 4.8.2007
The performance of the ensemble “Epoca Barocca” is extraordinary under all aspects. It is amazing how perfectly the musicians amalgamate and what a highly distinctive sound they produce. The melodious ensemble sound not only fits the well rounded whole, but lends freedom to the individual parts as well.
Review for the FASCH-CD of Julia Eberwein – 15.7.2007
…truly extraordinary interpretations of Italian Baroque music… performed seriously and at the same time with “joie de vivre”. These musicians, clearly not merely talented but also exceptionally sensitive, seemed to carry away this splendid soprano, with her voice so natural and bursting with appeal, light-hearted as well as full and impeccable.
Passauer Neue Presse 9.7.2007
Epoca Barocca is the demonstration of how rich in different aspects is the music of the 18th century through pre-classical and early classical music…
Coburger Tageblatt – 18.6.2007
…”virtuoso” talent: pieces performed with the utmost perfection and at the same time with character and appeal. Refreshingly musical, Epoca Barocca reveals how diverse and lively ancient music can be.
Ascheberger Zeitung - 1.5.2007
…Epoca Barocca achieves a colorful interpretation… elegant phrasing and spirited vitality…
Scherzo – März 2007
…they played with emotion and enthusiasm which immediately captured the audience… they played articulately, with phrasing that evidenced lively Baroque momentum, without any stale traces.
Bad Honnefer Zeitung – April 2007
… a dynamic, resounding liveliness dominates… with a precise tone at all times, without the need to tune the instruments after each movement… harmonious, unbroken interpretation and good interaction…
Saarbrücker Zeitung - 13.2.2007
A masterful interpretation is evident as well as awareness of the original concert routine, but the performance conveys freshness, sincerity and confidence rather than logic. One has the impression that the joy of playing comes first.
Leverkusener Anzeige - 5.1.2007
Six musical delights, admirably performed, were presented to the audience. A serious and peaceful quality in the Largo, brilliant in the Allegro, and lively with an almost sparkling effect in the Affettuoso and Presto finale.
Kehler Zeitung – 8.12.2006
The group exceeds all expectations. From the first movements one is immediately struck by the smooth, warm sound of the instruments, and the consistent togetherness of their playing.
Süddeutsche Zeitung – 18./19.11.2006
The four musicians displayed an excellent balance in their solo characteristics as well as in their orderly group performance.
A lavish feast for an audience that was more than happy, and obviously struck by the appeal of soft, delicate sound, and harmonious togetherness.
Main Echo – 7.11.2006
Masterly technique, joy of playing, appeal and fun… in a duel with the bassoonist, the oboist felt perfectly happy in the cantabile movements, and ignited fireworks in the presto movements.
Rhein Neckar – 1.11.2006
Were it possible to draw a picture of the concert, many colors would be needed. Were it possible to transpose the music into colors, which might be, then the colors of the concert would be countless. Clearly the musicians were having fun… Magnificent.
www.eberbach-channel.de – 28.10.2006
…indeed the very assortment of instruments of the ensemble “Epoca Barocca” produces a spirited musical feeling… Bravura out of a blue sky…
Talent and joy in playing…
Wasserburger Zeitung – 25.10.2006
The ease in tackling the virtuoso musical requirements was altogether evident. It was clear that all the musicians felt great joy in playing
Hohenlohe Zeitung – 19.9.2006
In Haendel’s Concerto for four instruments the voice of the oboe was dominant, while the violin wove its impertinent dance around it… “Epoca Barocca” also devotes time and enthusiasm to the search for musical rarities.
Rhein Zeitung – 13.9.2006
The result was elegance in style, evidence thanks to the excellent performers, particularly the marvelouss wind instruments...
Concerto – February/March 2006
… its tender slow movements each followed by dazzling yet elegant fast music featuring superb interplay between the soloists.
The Gramophone – February 2006
Epoca Barocca is like warm rain on fertile soil.
Rheinischer Post – February, 11th 2006
The technical skill and musical brilliance of the performers was superb...
Ems-Zeitung – novembre, 30th 2005
Playing with rhythmic liveliness and precise timing, and interpreting without giving way to overly exalted expression, E.B. gives a full and extraordinary image of itself.
Nordburgerische Nachrichten – August, 22nd 2005
Long applause emphasized how the magnificent performance had given full satisfaction to the audience, and even exceeded its expectations.
Fränkischer Tag – August, 22nd 2005
... a truly extraordinary concert... with strong feeling for perfection,
the musicians of E.B.gave new life to the music of great masters of the past, and offered the audience a true emotion of sound... the performers and the music itself communicated lightness and refined playfulness.
Kultur Herzogenaurach – August, 22nd 2005
... so rare sounds ... terrific charatteristic ... un real baroque-event … entusiastic applauses
Hinterländer Anzeiger – May 14, 2005
… Epoca Barocca had a great success with a charming performance, precise and at the highest level playing with much vivacity …
Ruhr Nachrichten – May 10, 2005
The sopran was able to demonstrate her excellence… the violin and the oboe echoed one another exchanging virtuoso melodies…such an exquisite concert, so refreshing and lively in its dancing quality…
Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger – December 29, 2004
Passionate in the beginning adagio… they bring out the mellow sound of the historical instruments… a superb interpretation… with a splendid finale …
Märkische Allgemeine – December 6, 2004
...Epoca Barocca is the refreshing demonstration of how ancient music can seem varied, humoresque, lively; and this probably happens in particular when it isn't the major authors of the baroque period that are being played...
Rhein Neckar Zeitung – November 19, 2004
... all the knowledge of historical performance practice leads into a convincing result: through details in style and a resonant soulful rapture, the form of expression and technical skills on historical instruments has found its happiest combination ...
Die Rheinpfalz – April 27, 2004
... an ensemble of four magnificent performers who demonstrate their ability to bring back to life the circumstances of the baroque sonata with a natural feeling that is equal to the strict instrumental discipline developed in the awareness of idiomatic privilege, and therefore in the strictest cohesion between the means and the expression held within the page of music.
Gazzetta di Parma – April 18, 2004
... Epoca Barocca performed with a fluctuating, well turned ensemble sound, and excellent mutual sensitiveness ... fun to listen to and watch ...
Kölnische Rundschau - December 2, 2003
... the ensemble displayed accuracy in playing together, and perfect technique of each individual musician ...
Their way of emphasizing harmonic development and natural interpretation is especially pleasing.
Heidenheimer Neue Presse - May 21, 2003
... Epoca Barocca gave a demonstration of the amazing joy of playing with renewed, light hearted zest ...
Performing in different instrument combinations it gave proof of its versatile qualities. The ensemble displayed a charming, accurate style of making music together, as well as the marked virtuosity of the individual instruments.
Heidenheimer Zeitung - May 20, 2003
A most remarkable blend of soloists playing in magnificent unison; with evident ease and utmost vitality they bring out the sound of a captivating orchestral teamwork. Whether in a melancholy mood, or in a silent form of introspection, both the slow movements gave out a feeling of emotional depth. Add to this the two allegros, rich in contrasts and full of joyful liveliness, lyrically dancing…
Magdeburg Volkstimme - April 9, 2003
...an intimate Largo, masterfully performed by oboe and harpsichord...like a spirited dialogue... and the violin, brilliant in its virtuoso runs, creating with the superb oboe a bright, lively sound effect. This thrilling evening of Vivaldi came to a close with a rousing encore."
Engadiner Post - August 6, 2002
…one could feel the virtuosity, excellent rhythmic precision, and extraordinary instrumental togetherness, particularly in the slow movements, where the warm sound of the baroque instruments is best developed, but also in the fast movements…
Magdeburg Volksstimme – January 8, 2002
… spirited and amusing dialogues… a concert full of highlights and color… most convincing, not merely due to the absolute perfection of the performance, but for its character and charming eloquence…
Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger – January 5, 2002
…EPOCA BAROCCA aroused enthusiasm in a performance with 17th century instruments… General-Anzeiger – December 29, 2001
… the musicians performed the trio-sonate with liveliness and technical skill…
Hofer Anzeiger – September 11, 2001
… polished musicians… with clear phrasing that fully brought out the gentle softness of the adagi and playful liveliness of the allegri, the oboe conversed with the violin, supported by the exquisite background provided by the bassoon and harpsichord …
Il Corriere di Prato – July 23, 2000
… very musical… the four performers share the same binding throb…
Lindauer Zeitung – June 9, 2000
…Baroque musical excerpts performed with top perfection… interpreted with liveliness and charm… when the most daring virtuoso passages present no hardship, that is where true art appears… one is carried away… the sound has a pleasing warmth and softness. Bergische Morgenpost –March 6, 2000