French Connection for Women

The Independent on Sunday has described the ensemble's performance as playing "with the effortless musicality of birds." This album from Florilegium includes the world premiere recording of the flute concerto Il Gran Mogol.

Florilegium's interpretations are renowned for their exceptional artistry and authenticity. Formed in 1991, the ensemble has established a reputation as one of the leading exponents of 17th and 18th-century music played on period instruments. Their vibrant and historically-informed performances have earned them critical acclaim worldwide.

The program on this release showcases the group's versatility and mastery of the Baroque idiom. Il Gran Mogol, the centerpiece of the album, is a concerto for flute and strings by the Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi. Written around 1728, the work evokes the grandeur and opulence of the Mughal Empire in India, from which it takes its title.

Florilegium's principal flautist, Ashley Solomon, delivers a virtuosic and expressive account of this captivating concerto. His playing is characterized by technical brilliance, rich tone, and exquisite phrasing, perfectly complemented by the ensemble's sensitive and energetic accompaniment.

The album also features two suites by the French composer François Couperin. The Concerts royaux and the Pièces de clavecin en concerts showcase Florilegium's refined approach to French Baroque style, with elegant phrasing, elegant ornamentation, and a keen sense of dance rhythms.

Throughout the recording, the ensemble's musicians demonstrate exceptional ensemble cohesion and interpretive insight. Their interpretation of these works is both historically informed and artistically compelling, bringing the music to life with vibrant energy and expressive depth.

The world premiere recording of Vivaldi's Il Gran Mogol is a particular highlight, shedding new light on a lesser-known but captivating concerto from the composer's vast output. Florilegium's technically assured and musically captivating performance ensures that this work will now receive the attention it deserves.

This release from Florilegium is a testament to the ensemble's artistic excellence and their commitment to exploring the richness of the Baroque repertoire. It is a must-listen for fans of early music and anyone seeking an immersive and rewarding listening experience.

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