EarlyMusicNews.Org

"Baroque music retains its special role for the FBO – even after twenty years. While the “Freiburgers” have meanwhile earned a reputation as interpreters of classical, romantic and even contemporary music, the Baroque in the orchestra’s name is still more than merely a description of an epoch: it stands for the musicians’ practical performance perspective as well as for their pleasure in musicianship and cultivated, virtuoso ensemble playing.

The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra has conquered the world’s best known concert halls with this musical self-image. From the Baroque perspective, the music of the 18th and 19th century, in particular, sounds young and modern and not at all like old music, but as immediate as if the ink on the music sheets was still damp. This is perhaps what James R. Oestreich meant when he enthused, in the New York Times in March 2007: “The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra, familiar from […] opera recordings and other notable projects, may be the liveliest ensemble now on the international early-music scene.”

The Freiburg Baroque Orchestra’s prominent status in international musical life is expressed both in its continuous collaboration with significant artists such as Andreas Staier, Thomas Quasthoff, Cecilia Bartoli and René Jacobs, as well as in a close collaboration with the French recording label harmonia mundi France, and is successfully reflected in numerous CD productions and outstanding awards. Hence, only recently, a survey of journalists in the magazine Opernwelt presented the FBO with its “Orchestra of the Year 2007” award.

Under the artistic direction of its two concert masters Gottfried von der Goltz and Petra Müllejans, or under the baton of selected conductors, with about one hundred appearances each year the FBO performs in differing formations ranging from chamber music to opera orchestra: a self-administrated ensemble with its own subscription concerts in Freiburg’s Konzerthaus, Stuttgart’s Liederhalle and Berlin’s Philharmonie, as well as with worldwide tours. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Category: Ensembles/Performers/Associations/Societies / Orchestras/Chorus

Added on: Apr 20, 2008 | Hits: 558