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Ensemble

 

Stylus Phantasticus is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 2012 by a group of musicians who shared a passion for early music and a desire to explore the rich and diverse repertoire of the Baroque era. The founding members of Stylus Phantasticus were violinist Johanna Novom, cellist Ezra Seltzer, and harpsichordist Michael Sponseller. All three musicians had extensive experience performing early music and had collaborated on various projects in the past. They were joined by flutist Emi Ferguson and viola da gamba player Arnie Tanimoto, both of whom were also accomplished early music performers. From the beginning, Stylus Phantasticus set out to explore the rich and varied repertoire of the Baroque era, with a particular focus on the music of Germany and Italy. The ensemble's name, which means "fantastic style" in Latin, reflects their commitment to performing music that is both virtuosic and expressive, with a sense of freedom and improvisation that was characteristic of the Baroque era. Over the years, Stylus Phantasticus has become known for their dynamic and engaging performances, which combine technical precision with a sense of spontaneity and improvisation. The ensemble has performed at major venues and festivals throughout the United States and Europe, including the Boston Early Music Festival, the Berkeley Early Music Festival, and the Utrecht Early Music Festival. One of the highlights of Stylus Phantasticus's career was their performance at the 2014 Boston Early Music Festival, where they were awarded the prestigious Biber Award for their performance of Heinrich Biber's "Mystery Sonatas." The Biber Award is given annually to a performer or ensemble that demonstrates exceptional skill and artistry in the performance of Baroque music. In addition to their live performances, Stylus Phantasticus has also released several critically acclaimed recordings, including their debut album, "In the Spirit of the Italian Baroque," which was released in 2015. The album features works by Italian composers such as Antonio Vivaldi, Arcangelo Corelli, and Giuseppe Tartini, and showcases the ensemble's virtuosic playing and improvisational flair. Stylus Phantasticus continues to be a leading ensemble in the world of early music, and their performances and recordings are highly regarded by critics and audiences alike. With their commitment to exploring the rich and varied repertoire of the Baroque era, and their dynamic and engaging performances, Stylus Phantasticus is sure to remain a fixture in the world of classical music for years to come.

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