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Ensemble

 

Café Zimmermann is a French classical music ensemble that specializes in the performance of Baroque music. The ensemble was founded in 1998 by violinist Pablo Valetti and harpsichordist Céline Frisch, who were both students at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris at the time. The ensemble takes its name from the famous Leipzig coffee house where Johann Sebastian Bach used to perform with his Collegium Musicum. The founding members of Café Zimmermann were joined by a group of like-minded musicians who shared their passion for Baroque music. The ensemble's core members include Pablo Valetti and Florence Malgoire on violin, Petr Skalka on viola, Petr Wagner on cello, and Céline Frisch on harpsichord. Over the years, the ensemble has collaborated with a number of guest musicians, including countertenor Andreas Scholl and soprano Sandrine Piau. Café Zimmermann has gained a reputation for its innovative and dynamic performances of Baroque music. The ensemble's approach is characterized by a deep understanding of historical performance practices and a commitment to bringing the music of the Baroque era to life for modern audiences. The ensemble's performances are marked by a sense of spontaneity and improvisation, as well as a deep emotional connection to the music. One of the highlights of Café Zimmermann's career was its performance of Bach's complete Brandenburg Concertos at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris in 2000. The ensemble's interpretation of these iconic works was praised for its energy, precision, and musicality. The performance was recorded and released on CD, and it remains one of the ensemble's most popular recordings. Another notable performance by Café Zimmermann was its collaboration with countertenor Andreas Scholl on a program of Handel arias. The ensemble's sensitive accompaniment and Scholl's virtuosic singing were praised by critics and audiences alike. The performance was recorded and released on CD, and it won the prestigious Diapason d'Or award. Café Zimmermann has also been recognized for its recordings of Bach's instrumental works. The ensemble's recording of the Goldberg Variations was praised for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. The recording won the Choc de l'année award from the French music magazine Classica, as well as the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik in Germany. In addition to its performances and recordings, Café Zimmermann is also committed to education and outreach. The ensemble regularly gives masterclasses and workshops for young musicians, and it has collaborated with schools and community organizations to bring Baroque music to a wider audience. Overall, Café Zimmermann has established itself as one of the leading ensembles in the world of Baroque music. Its innovative and dynamic performances, combined with its commitment to historical performance practices and education, have earned it a devoted following and numerous awards and accolades.

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