Search - Florilegium :: First 10 Years: 1991-2001

Virtuosity in all its variety!

Brianna Neal | USA | 11/28/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From intimate chamber quartet to full orchestra with choir, the musicians of Florilegium take you on a rousing tour of the Baroque era. Selections by J. S. Bach, his son C. P. E., Vivaldi, Telemann, Boismortier, Hayden and Leclair are played on this CD with relish and finesse. The literal meaning of "Florilegium" is "flourishing", though it can also mean a "collection". Both are apt translations. Florilegium is a core quartet--Ashley Solomon on flute and recorder, violinist Kati Debretzeni, `cellist Jennifer Morsches, and James Johnstone on harpsichord and organ--with an ever-changing roster of top-notch guest musicians. Based in Great Britain and directed by Solomon, Florilegium "has always been a flexible ensemble with a fixed core of players, and in this way [has] been able to perform programmes with music ranging from intimate trios and quartets to large scale chamber orchestral works." If you enjoy this music, and have not already done so, check out these other lively Baroque Ensembles too: Chatham Baroque, the Palladian Ensemble, and Red Priest."