Country

:

Netherlands

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Il Complesso Barocco is a renowned classical music ensemble that specializes in Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1979 by conductor and harpsichordist Alan Curtis, who was passionate about reviving the music of the Baroque era. Over the years, Il Complesso Barocco has become one of the most respected and sought-after Baroque ensembles in the world. The ensemble's name, Il Complesso Barocco, translates to "The Baroque Ensemble" in English. The name reflects the ensemble's focus on performing music from the Baroque era, which spanned from the early 17th century to the mid-18th century. During this time, composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi created some of the most beautiful and complex music in history. Il Complesso Barocco is made up of a core group of musicians who specialize in Baroque instruments such as the harpsichord, the viola da gamba, and the Baroque violin. The ensemble also features a rotating cast of guest musicians who join the group for specific performances or recordings. One of the highlights of Il Complesso Barocco's career was their collaboration with the renowned mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli. In 2001, the ensemble recorded an album with Bartoli titled "The Vivaldi Album," which featured some of Vivaldi's most famous vocal works. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it won a Grammy Award for Best Classical Vocal Performance in 2002. Another notable performance by Il Complesso Barocco was their 2006 production of Handel's opera "Giulio Cesare" at the Glyndebourne Festival in England. The production was directed by David McVicar and starred mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly in the title role. The performance was widely praised for its stunning visuals and powerful musical performances. Il Complesso Barocco has also performed at some of the world's most prestigious music festivals, including the Salzburg Festival, the Edinburgh International Festival, and the Mostly Mozart Festival in New York City. The ensemble has also toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, bringing their unique and passionate approach to Baroque music to audiences around the world. In addition to their live performances, Il Complesso Barocco has recorded numerous albums of Baroque music. Some of their most notable recordings include Handel's "Ariodante," Vivaldi's "La Verità in Cimento," and Bach's "Brandenburg Concertos." The ensemble's recordings have received critical acclaim and have won several awards, including the Gramophone Award for Best Baroque Vocal Recording in 2009. Sadly, Alan Curtis passed away in 2015, but Il Complesso Barocco continues to perform and record under the leadership of conductor Dmitry Sinkovsky. Sinkovsky is a talented violinist and countertenor who has been praised for his dynamic and expressive performances. He has led Il Complesso Barocco in several successful recordings and performances, including a 2018 production of Handel's "Serse" at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna. Il Complesso Barocco's dedication to the music of the Baroque era has made them one of the most respected and beloved classical music ensembles in the world. Their passionate and authentic performances have inspired countless audiences and have helped to keep the music of the Baroque era alive for future generations.

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