Udtalelser og anmeldelse

Louise Hjorth A Short Story 2CDs
CDKlassisk CDK 1133-34.
Quantz Sonata in e, QV 2/21, Schmelzer Sonata Quarta, Scheibe Sonata II in b, Op 1, Ræhs Sonata II in D and Mealli La Bernabea Op 4 plus7 contemporary pieces.

This debut CD from the award-winning Danish recorder player Louise Hjorth displays her talents in both contemporary and early music, the latter mostly transcriptions on the 2^nd of the two CDs.  Three of the early pieces are performed by Duo 1702, Hjorth’s partnership with organist Katrine Immerkjær Kristiansen, the other two with the harpsichord, guitar and gamba of Jutlander Baroque.  The duo pieces played with chamber organ are particularly attractive, the gentle chiff of the organ nicely balanced by the tonguing of the recorder player.   In all the pieces Hjorth’s sensitive approach to musical line and articulation is apparent, as is her virtuosity.  But, for the real test of that virtuosity, you need to listen to some of the solo modern pieces on the first CD, notably Moritz Eggert’s Ausser Atem which uses three recorders, two played together with the human voice.  One piece on CD 1 of early music interest is Louise Hjorth’s evocative interpretation of Hildegard von Bingen’s Ave, Generosa for solo recorder and live electronics (loops, delay etc) controlled by an effects pedal.  Two examples of the Galant style are represented by Ræhs, a Danish composer from Aarhus, and the German Scheibe, who spent 40 years as Capellmeister to the Danish court.  The Stylus phantasticus style is heard in the pieces by Schmelzer and Mealli.  This is a very attractive CD, with the benefit if demonstrating the attractive of ‘period instruments’ to modern composers.  

Andrew Benson-Wilson, Early Music Review, Oct 2014. 

“…The smallest ensembles of the event were Duo1702 (Denmark), Repicco (UK) and Duo Domenico (UK). The first presented little-known Danish composers with an abundance of glee – I don´t think I´ve ever seen quite as happy an organist as Katrine Kristiansen, and Louise Hjorth Hansen´s virtuoso recorder work dazzled in Mealli´s La Biancuccia (originally written for fiddle). The Danish duo had an exquisite understanding and a delightful lightness of touch in the gallant conversational music of Raehs and Scheibe…”

Anmeldelse af Duo1702´s koncert i finalen af York Early Music International Young Artist Competition i det britiske magasin Early Music Review, august 2013

Yderligere udtalte ét af jury-medlemmerne i konkurrencen:

Harpsichordist and conductor – and chairman of the jury – Laurence Cummings said: ‘What a fantastic final! A day full of joyous music-making which showed every effect from the transcendent euphoria to the death knoll of a lament. The standard of playing was superb. Altogether a very uplifting experience and lovely for the jury to sit back and soak it all in”

 

”En koncert på højt internationalt masterniveau. Et originalt program suverænt udført med enestående scenisk beherskelse.”

Udtalelse fra kandidateksamen, Syddansk Musikkonservatorium, Esbjerg, juni 2011

”…This was an exeptional performance of a challenging programme. A real pleasure to witness – bravo!”

Udtalelse fra ArtDip/debuteksamen, Royal College of Music, London, juni 2012 – Ashley Solomon

 “It was a privilege to hear you today, with an interesting programme containing variety and pace. You particularly excelled in the contemporary pieces which were strongly presented with character and technical prowess.”

Udtalelse fra ArtDip/debuteksamen, Royal College of Music, London, juni 2012 – Elizabeth Walker

“Your programme showed real commitment to all aspects of music making. You combined subtle playing with passion and vigor. Clearly at home in every style. This was a compelling performance at an extremely high level.”

Udtalelse fra ArtDip/debuteksamen, Royal College of Music, London, juni 2012 – Jane Chapman

“Overall, hugely enjoyable and absorbing. A strong musical personality wich shone throughout this programme.”

Udtalelse fra ArtDip/debuteksamen, Royal College of Music, London, juni 2012 – Rebecca Prosser