Ensemble Meridiana - Tastes of Europe - Early Music Review - BW

Back in February I wrote: "One of the nicest aspects of this reviewing lark is watching the career development of young musicians as they make their way on the professional circuit after there [sic] time at conservatories.", before reviewing a concert by Ensemble Meridiana, the winners of the 2009 York Early Music International Young Artists Competition and many other prestigious competitions. They have now sent me their debut CD, the result of a series of workshops and recording sessions with Philip Hobbs of Linn Records that formed part of the competition prize goodies. The five players have the flexible line up of violin, oboe/recorder, recorder/bassoon, viola da gamba and harpsichord, so it is no surprise that Telemann is high on their repertoire list. His music needs brilliant performers, which Ensemble Meridiana provide with consummate east - their three solo instrumentalists (Dominique Tinguely, Sarah Humphrys and Sabine Stoffe) have an outstanding sense of articulation and musical line. The final work on the CD used to be Telemann's "Trio in d for recorder, violin and basso continuo" (TWV 42.d10), but is no known to be by the little known Hamburg organist, Pierre Prowo (1697-1757). Sadly this means it may never be heard again, but that is also a very good reason to buy this CD. As usual with Linn recordings, a comprehensive website gives you all the information and downloads that you could ever want, including programme notes and samples of all the tracks. You can buy the recording in seven different formats, including Studio Master (FLAC 24bit 192kHz, for those that care). This is one of the most impressive debut CDs that I have ever heard.