…exemplary technical mastery, interpretive integrity and stylish panache
“As it has done over the decade of its life, Tempesta di Mare performed a program [Leipzig Shortlist] that not only proved an historical point but that also proffered a series of musical delights. Fasch’s Concerto for Lute in D minor, Telemann’s Quatour VI in E minor, Graupner’s “Entrata per musica di tavola” and Fasch’s Concerto for Recorder in F major may not have proved themselves the equals of Bach’s Concerto for Harpsichord in F minor throughout the passage of the centuries, but all four are scores worthy of far more frequent hearing than they’re given nowadays. Fasch’s two concerti, in particular, offer lively rhythms, captivating melodies, elegant scorings and inventive harmonies. The Telemann is a fascinating display of a German composer taking on French styles. The Bach Harpsichord Concerto, of course, stole the show. It did so first of all because it’s a concise masterpiece of structure and color, and second, because Tempesta’s resident harpsichordist, Adam Pearl, gave it a superb rendition. In truth, the entire concert was performed with exemplary technical mastery, interpretive integrity and stylish panache. Gwyn Roberts was particularly noteworthy as the recorder soloist in the Fasch, as was lutenist Richard Stone in the other Fasch. And the strings played beautifully in the Telemann.” Chestnut Hill LOCAL, December 2011.