Accademia Bizantina
Accademia Bizantina

Accademia Bizantina

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“The exquisite rhythmic spontaneity seems to be the hallmark of this excellent ensemble.”

(The New York Times, April 2016)

Accademia Bizantina, the Ravenna-based period instrument ensemble, is directed by Ottavio Dantone. Their performances are typified by virtuoso playing and dramatic flair, but never to the detriment of their wonderfully polished tone. It is not surprising therefore that the countertenor Andreas Scholl enjoys working with them so much. HarrisonParrott have arranged a number of high profile tours for this combination often in conjunction with Andreas Scholl, including programmes of works by Handel in Salzburg and Dresden and Bach in Istanbul to name but three.

Accademia Bizantina
© Accademia Bizantina

“There was also a jazzy quality to the ensemble’s playing as a whole, with seemingly intuitive interplay between the members. The two cellists and the bassist often took on the role of a rhythm section, playing with percussive, resonant bow strokes.”

(The New York Times, April 2016)

“The concertmaster Alessandro Tampieri played with a sweet and zesty sound — and, once again, with the exquisite rhythmic spontaneity that seems to be the hallmark of this excellent ensemble.”

(The New York Times, April 2016)

“Ethereal yet visceral, Scholl’s voice is the dream vehicle for Purcell… Stefano Montanari coaxes thrilling playing from Accademia Bizantina, who dance and swagger, throb and pulsate with true Latin passion. Their continuto realisations — here delicate and intimate, there audaciously jazzy — are an unceasing delight.”

(Review of O Solitude disc, BBC Music Magazine)

“Scholl understands the importance of words and remains the countertenor of choice: it’s not so much the intelligence and grace that make his artistry so instantly recognisable, as the hypnotically soothing quality of his voice which, even after 15 years at the top, remains in peak condition… Among the many joys of this exceptional recital are the accompaniments by Accademia Bizantina.”

(Review of O Solitude disc, Financial Times)

“…And it is once again a great pleasure to hear Accademia Bizantina with Ottavio Dantone playing with a precision and awareness that has nothing to fear by comparisons with foreign ensembles. Just listen to the freshness of their sound, the aplomb of the most evident entries, and the imagination they show in the art of diminution in the ritornelli…”

(Il Giornale della Musica)

“…one of the best ensembles operating in the interpretation of the Italian musical production through the 17th and 18th century.”

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