Classical Music

Florilegium is one of Britain's finest period instrument ensembles. Since their formation in 1991, they have established a reputation for stylish and exciting interpretations, from intimate chamber works to large-scale orchestral and choral repertoire. This two disc collection features eleven of the twenty-four works from Telemann's Essercizii Musici. This selection of solo sonatas and trio sonatas offers the listener an insight into the different styles and instrumental combinations that make up Telemann's unique soundscape and ensure his music is immediately recognizable.

Classical Music

Ashley Solomon and Florilegium are joined by violinist Rachel Podger, soprano Elizabeth Watts, and recorder player Hannah Parry on Telemann: Ino Cantata and Double Concertos. Based on a story from Ovid's Metamorphoses, Telemann's Ino is a dramatic and theatrical cantata with a single soprano voice carrying the entire narrative. The two double concertos on this recording showcase Telemann's mastery of instrumental color and texture. His innovative and non-traditional approach to the standard concerto form can be seen in the five-movement structure of the concerto for flute and violin. The concerto for recorder and flute is one of his most popular instrumental works and is a wonderful example of his love for unusual instrumental combinations.

Soprano Rowan Pierce joins Florilegium and Ashley Solomon in Tra le fiamme - a new recording of secular cantatas by G. F. Handel and J. S. Bach. Tra le fiamme is one of Handel's Italian style cantatas, combining vocal virtuosity with deep emotional expressivity. Bach's cantata Ich bin in mir vergnugt is an elegant example of one of his secular cantatas. This cantata stands out for it's reflective exploration of themes of inner peace, contentment, and stoic philosophy - qualities that reflect Bach's interest in moral and philosophical themes outside of his sacred music. Also included here is the final virtuosic Alleluia from Vivaldi's motet In furore iustissimae irae together with instrumental concertos by Vivaldi and Handel.

"Flutist Ashley Solomon and Florilegium continue the Spohr Collection project with Volume 3. Ashley plays nine original exquisite 18th century flutes from Peter Spohr’s private collection, which can now be heard around the world for the first time. They are made from various materials including solid ivory, ebony and ivory, and boxwood and ivory. These historical instruments possess a beautiful and unique sound, making them most desirable to play.

This new recording explores repertoire from Italy, Germany and England written by composers including Vivaldi, Mozart, Clagget and Locatelli. Each work matches historically and geographically with the flute Ashley plays. Soprano Rowan Pierce joins them for two songs by Chilcot and Lampe."

Internationally acclaimed flutist Ashley Solomon and period ensemble Florilegium present “Spohr Collection, Vol. 2”. Ashley Solomon: “The opportunity of playing original flutes from the 18th century is a rare occurrence. Whenever the chance presents itself, it must be seized immediately!”. On Solomon’s remarkable Spohr Collection, Vol. 1 (CCS43020), he set himself a challenge to record on 9 original flutes, mostly domestic chamber music, together with his colleagues from Florilegium. This new release, Spohr Collection, Vol. 2, features six flute concertos from the 18th century on six unique flutes; some made of ivory, various woods (boxwood and ebony), and one of porcelain and gold. Each instrument is matched with repertoire from the same period it was initially made and played in. This offers a unique insight into the world of the flute virtuoso in the 18th century. These concertos by Vivaldi, C.P.E. Bach, Quantz, Leclair, Blavet and Woodcock invite the listener to experience and enjoy the rich sound world that each of these original flutes conveys.

Recorded in St John's Church West Norwood, London in March 2022, Florilegium release their 31st Channel Classics album: Haydn Symphonies Nos. 6, 7 and 8. This recording involves 18 members of Florilegium, the exact same number Haydn had at his disposal when he composed these symphonies shortly after arriving at Esterhazy in 1761. Haydn’s first symphonies for his new employer, Prince Paul Anton Esterházy, form a group of three entitled Morning, Noon and Night. Perhaps these were a result of the Prince’s suggestion that Haydn write something programmatic along the lines of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

As symphonies for a small chamber orchestra, all three exploit the solo skills of each of Florilegium’s principals, from flute to double bass, not to mention heroic horns as well as spectacular violin and cello solos, each vividly characterized in an almost operatic way. Florilegium's previous Haydn London Symphonies recording was hailed as "first rate" by BBC Music Magazine. Florilegium is one of Britain's most outstanding period instrument groups specializing in music from the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of their recordings have garnered international awards over the years.

Classical Music