Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Austria

Period

:

Renaissance

Genre

:

Chamber

 

The Wiener Blockflötenensemble is a classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of music for recorder. The ensemble was founded in Vienna, Austria in 1985 by a group of recorder players who shared a passion for the instrument and its repertoire. The founding members of the Wiener Blockflötenensemble were Gerhard Braun, Wolfgang Kostner, and Wolfgang Reithofer. All three were accomplished recorder players who had studied at the Vienna Conservatory and had performed with various other ensembles before coming together to form their own group. From the beginning, the Wiener Blockflötenensemble was dedicated to exploring the full range of music written for the recorder, from the medieval and Renaissance periods to contemporary compositions. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Georg Philipp Telemann, Antonio Vivaldi, and many others. Over the years, the Wiener Blockflötenensemble has expanded to include additional members, including flutist Barbara Konrad and harpsichordist Wolfgang Glüxam. The ensemble's current lineup consists of Gerhard Braun, Wolfgang Kostner, Wolfgang Reithofer, Barbara Konrad, and Wolfgang Glüxam. One of the highlights of the Wiener Blockflötenensemble's career was their performance at the 1992 Salzburg Festival, one of the most prestigious classical music festivals in the world. The ensemble's program for the festival included works by Bach, Telemann, and Vivaldi, as well as a contemporary piece by Austrian composer Kurt Schwertsik. The Wiener Blockflötenensemble has also been recognized for their recordings, which have received critical acclaim and won several awards. In 1996, the ensemble's recording of Telemann's "Tafelmusik" was awarded the prestigious Diapason d'Or, one of the highest honors in the classical music recording industry. In addition to their performances and recordings, the Wiener Blockflötenensemble is also dedicated to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives workshops and masterclasses for recorder players of all levels, and they have also developed educational programs for schools and other organizations. Overall, the Wiener Blockflötenensemble has established itself as one of the premier ensembles for recorder music in the world. With their dedication to exploring the full range of the recorder repertoire, their exceptional musicianship, and their commitment to education and outreach, the ensemble has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music.

More....