Frans Bruggen

VA - English Ensemble Music - Frans Brüggen, Brüggen-Consort
Classical | Easy CD-DA, APE, Cue | No Log | 1 CD, covers | 296 MB | RS
Teldec 4509-97465 | 1995

The works included in the present CD cover a period of 200 years in English musical history from the time of Henry VIII to the early 18th century. Although these years were notable for a lively exchange of stylistic ideas between Britain and Continental Europe, English music none the less retained its distinctive character, not least in terms of the various types of instrumental music.
An unique collection, improved illustration of the exquisite and quiet harmony of the gold age of English music.

VA - French Recorder Suites - Frans Brüggen Edition Vol. 6
Baroque | Easy CD-DA, APE, Cue | No Log | 1 CD, covers | 229 MB | RS
Teldec 4509-97468 | 1995

The French composer Charles Dieupart travelled to London around 1700, and in 1701 he published six harpsichord suites.
Dieupart simultaneously published an edition of these suites in a version for recorder (or flute), violin and continuo, including precise instructions as to the particular type of recorder on which the suites should be played.
Jacques-Martin Hotteterre was known as "Le Romain", a sobriquet that may be attributable to a visit to Rome. Hotteterre's Suitte was written in the heyday of French mannerism, a stylistic trend characterised by its extreme ornamentation.

Conductors have long used Mendelssohn’s music for A Midsummer Night’s Dream to display an orchestra’s refinement, transparency and polish. By contrast, notwithstanding their characteristic smoothness, Frans Brüggen and the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century opt to emphasise the grain of the music rather than its evanescence. Not for them the moon-drenched sheen of the so-called Nocturne – here the horn parses the melody with greater detail than usual, and the flutes in the reprise sigh passionately. Violin mists in the early stages of the overture emerge tangible and rhythmic, while the Wedding March discards the customary streamlined effect in favour of airier accent patterns.

The pianist on this CD, Yulliana Avdeeva, is the winner of the Chopin piano competition in 2010. Checking the internet, you will find that the decision by the jury was controversial. Her playing was considered not to display the proper Chopin style, and too cool. I wasn't present at the competition, so I cannot write much about this. But having bought this CD, mainly because of use of old instruments, and the direction by the recently deceased icon of old music Frans Brüggen, I must say that I was totally blown away by the playing of Yulianna Avdeeva.

A musical journey exploring the diversity of the 18th- century solo and chamber music for recorder, performed on period Instruments. Played by the great flautist Frans Brüggen accompanied at the continuo by two other legendary figures of historically informed performances Nikolaus Harnoncourt and Gustav Leonhardt. With works by Georg Philipp Telemann, Jacob Van Eyck, Charles Dieupart, Jean-Baptiste Lœillet and Andrew Parcham.