“…sensational end to 2011 Fasch-Festtage’s first week
The Philadelphia-based baroque orchestra Tempesta di Mare underlined the fact that they are utterly devoted to Fasch’s music in the Catherinen-Saal in Zerbst tonight with an often breath-taking programme that consisted purely of his works, including two that had not been heard anywhere in Europe since the 18th century. Only once at a previous Fasch-Festtage have I been really excited to hear Fasch’s music. When the Sonatori della Gioiosa Marca gave us an Italian take on his oeuvre, it was so different to the normal German take—there was a sparkle and an energy to their performances; it was somehow like re-discovering why I love baroque music. The 18 musicians of Tempesta di Mare gave me precisely that sensation tonight, too—they didn’t just play the notes, they really got under Fasch’s skin and sought out nuances of phrasing that have evaded many a “more famous” ensemble (in these parts, at least). Word among those of the audience who actually knew anything about music and performance was that, quite simply, this was the best Fasch they had ever heard in all the years of the Zerbst Festtage. The Kantor of the Bartholomäikirche was particularly impressed by the way they brought the music to life. Four winners of the Fasch Prize of the City of Zerbst (people honoured by the city for their work on the composer and his music) were absolutely in agreement. That is hardly surprising, though; Tempesta di Mare already have one very successful CD of Fasch’s orchestral music under their belt and are preparing a second; they’ve given several concerts of his music in the States; it is repertoire they love playing, and it is self-evident from their performances! From the intimacy of the lute concerto (with co-director Richard Stone as soloist, accompanied by a reduced band), through the drama and excitement of a slightly sinister-sounding sinfonia (directed by principle violinist Emlyn Ngai), to two large concertos and an overture suite (featuring the other co-director Gwyn Roberts on 1st flute), there was not a fault in the entire evening.” The Prima la musica! blog, April 2011.
“…a spectacular concert”
“In a spectacular concert, which was completely dedicated to music by Johann Friedrich Fasch, Tempesta di Mare, a baroque orchestra from Philadelphia, presented characteristic works by this master. The ensemble, one of the leading interpreters of Fasch internationally, performs without a conductor, per the historical practice of baroque music. This concert was led by concertmaster Emlyn Ngai, who also played the solo part in the Concerto in D Major. He mastered the part with brilliance and pure intonation. But the violin was not the only instrument to take a solo turn. In the program’s three concerti, the baroque lute and the woodwinds were also active as important concertante performers. The musical exchanges between the ever-prominent soloists and the powerful, very precise and yet subtly lyrical full orchestra, was characteristic of the concerto grosso genre. This was especially so in the Concerto in D Minor for lute and strings, with its chamber music-like interplay in which the delicate sounds of the lute alternated with the powerful interjections of the strings and harpsichord. Lutenist Richard Stone gave a positively lyrical performance, pulling off even the most technically difficult passages with wonderful, playful ease. The Sinfonia in G Minor included a particularly effective contrast between the dramatic, forward-looking first movement, and the gentle, mellifluous second movement, with its downright comforting melody. The musicians’ precise playing showed the Suite in A Minor’s ouverture to full advantage, with the dance movements very effectively played. The audience thanked the guests from Philadelphia with long, heartfelt applause. The Michaelstein Abbey Association succeeded once again with this concert in making a valuable contribution to the musical life of our region.” Die Volksstimme, Magdeburg, April 2011.