Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin and Werner Güra - Friedrich der Grosse (1712-2012): Music for the Berlin Court (2012) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist
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01. Ouvertüre und Allegro in A Minor, GraunWV A:XI:2: I. Ouvertüre. Lento-Allegro
02. Ouvertüre und Allegro in A Minor, GraunWV A:XI:2: II. Allegro
03. Concerto per il Cembalo Concertante in D Minor, D-B M. TH. 169: I. Allegro
04. Concerto per il Cembalo Concertante in D Minor, D-B M. TH. 169: II. Adagio sempre piano
05. Concerto per il Cembalo Concertante in D Minor, D-B M. TH. 169: III. Presto
06. Sonata, per il Flauto Traverso Solo e Basso in C Minor, 'pour Potsdam No. 190': I. Recitativo
07. Sonata, per il Flauto Traverso Solo e Basso in C Minor, 'pour Potsdam No. 190': II. Andante et Cantabile
08. Sonata, per il Flauto Traverso Solo e Basso in C Minor, 'pour Potsdam No. 190': III.
09. Concerto per il Viola da Gamba Concertata in A Minor, GraunWV A:XIII:14: I. Allegro moderato
10. Concerto per il Viola da Gamba Concertata in A Minor, GraunWV A:XIII:14: II. Adagio (Arioso)
11. Concerto per il Viola da Gamba Concertata in A Minor, GraunWV A:XIII:14: III. Allegro
12. Sinfonie No. 1 in D Major, Wq. 183, 1: I. Allegro di molto
13. Sinfonie No. 1 in D Major, Wq. 183, 1: II. Largo
14. Sinfonie No. 1 in D Major, Wq. 183, 1: III. Presto


The year 2012 marks the tercentenary of the birth of Frederick the Great, whose political and military glory has often relegated his musical talent to the status of a mere hobby. But Frederick II was not only the key personality of Berlin musical life for the whole of the 18th century – as is shown by the works of the composers presented on this CD, all of whom worked at his court at some point in their careers – but also an excellent flautist who left posterity a number of fine flute sonatas from his own pen.

The Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2012. Formed in East Berlin in 1982, Akamus can pride itself on an outstanding reputation and an exceptional career: it has been a welcome guest in all thegreat musical institutions of Europe, Asia and North and South America. In 2011, the ensemble took in its stride operatic productions in nine European countries, an extended tour of the USA and its first tour to China.

The group gives around one hundred concerts a year, with varied forces, under the direction of its different Konzertmeisters: Midori Seiler, Stephan Mai, Bernhard Forck, Georg Kallweit; or guest conductors such as Marcus Creed, Daniel Reuss and Hans-Christoph Rademann. The Akademie’s collaboration with René Jacobs, which started almost 25 years ago, has turned into a genuine artistic partnership. The productions resulting from their work together have been enthusiastically acclaimed both on stage and on record: their recording of 'Die Zauberflöte' was distinguished with an Editor’s Choice in Gramophone and BBC Music Choice. More recently 'Agrippina' has been shortlisted for a BBC Music Award in April 2012.

Since 1994, the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin has recorded exclusively for harmonia mundi.

“the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin offers a chance to experience what his chamber concerts might have been like, in period pieces by court composers, with one of more than 100 hundred of the king's flute sonatas...C P E Bach's 'Sinfonie No 1' is the standout, performed with gusto.” (The Independent)

“There is no need to say much about the Berlin Akademie fur Alte Musik's performances; they show all the urgent intent, vibrant sound and expert ensemble playing we have come to expect from them. What better outfit could there be to celebrate Frederick's 300th anniversary year, and what better repertoire to mark their own 30 years together?” (Gramophone Magazine)

“the Akademie plays most sensitively, wind colouring unobtrusively...The best playing, of the most inspired piece, is Bach's Sinfonie...Its fire and fury is breathtaking - and superbly played. Most warmly recommended.” (BBC Music Magazine)

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