Role

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Ensemble

Period

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Baroque

 

Solamente Naturali is a classical music ensemble that specializes in performing Baroque and early classical music on period instruments. The ensemble was founded in 1995 in Bratislava, Slovakia, by the violinist and conductor Miloš Valent, who remains its artistic director to this day. Valent had previously studied at the Bratislava Conservatory and the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, and had performed with several other early music ensembles before founding Solamente Naturali. His vision for the ensemble was to create a group that would be dedicated to exploring the rich and varied repertoire of Baroque and early classical music, and to performing it with the utmost authenticity and musicality. The ensemble's name, Solamente Naturali, reflects this commitment to authenticity. It means "only natural" in Italian, and refers to the fact that the ensemble uses only period instruments and techniques in its performances. This includes using gut strings on the stringed instruments, playing with minimal vibrato, and using historical tuning systems. Over the years, Solamente Naturali has become one of the leading early music ensembles in Europe, and has performed at many of the continent's most prestigious concert halls and festivals. The ensemble has also released several acclaimed recordings, including a series of CDs devoted to the music of Antonio Vivaldi. The core members of Solamente Naturali are all highly skilled and experienced musicians, many of whom have performed with other leading early music ensembles. In addition to Valent, the ensemble includes several other string players, as well as a harpsichordist, a flutist, and a bassoonist. One of the highlights of Solamente Naturali's career was its performance at the 2006 Prague Spring Festival, one of the most important classical music festivals in Europe. The ensemble performed a program of music by Vivaldi, including several of his most famous concertos, to great acclaim. Another notable performance was the ensemble's appearance at the 2010 Festival de Musique Baroque de Pontoise in France. The ensemble performed a program of music by Johann Sebastian Bach, including his Brandenburg Concerto No. 5, to a sold-out audience. Solamente Naturali has also received several awards and honors over the years. In 2003, the ensemble was awarded the prestigious ECHO Klassik award for its recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. The ECHO Klassik is one of the most important classical music awards in Europe, and is given annually to the best classical recordings of the year. In addition to its performances and recordings, Solamente Naturali is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and has also collaborated with several schools and universities to promote the study and performance of early music. Overall, Solamente Naturali is a highly respected and accomplished ensemble that has made a significant contribution to the world of early music. Its commitment to authenticity and musicality has earned it a loyal following among both audiences and critics, and its performances and recordings continue to inspire and delight classical music lovers around the world.

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