CDs recorded by John Hadden -- Romanesca - Marini: Curiose e moderne inventioni

Gramophone
"This interesting programme takes its title from Marini's description of the music contained in his pioneering Op. 8 collection of 1629, Sonate, symphonie ... e retornelli. In it we find the composer not only exploring and extending violin technique, but also making a deliberate gesture towards the imitation of the human voice. Tremolos, graded dynamics, multiple stopping and a lively rhythmic and melodic invention all contribute to the brilliant, even at times passionate character of Marini's music. The strength of these performances lies not only in the stylistically fluent and idiomatic violin playing of Andrew Manze but also in the imaginatively realized and tonally resonant continuo line played by the other members of Romanesca....In short, there is much to enjoy in this entertaining progamme, as well as features in the music of bold orginality and startling effect. A stimulating release."

Classic CD
"Any disc released by Romanesca is a 'must'...Manze takes the virtuosity in his stride. He likes to push at the expressive edges to see what will happen, and his partnership with Caroline Balding is a sparky one: tantalisingly adventurous...the easy grace and hallmark sparkle sets these musicians apart from the crowd. Their multi award-winning Biber Violin Sonatas could well have a rival!"

BBC Music Magazine
"On this splendid new disc, Romanesca treat us to the full range of Marini's musical wit and ingenuity...the playing is...coquettishly nuanced...slow and melting...and brilliantly agile and coloured."

Continuo
"The present recording really showcases the talents of violinist Andrew Manze, whose playing is quite extraordinary. He negotiates every technical challenge with deceptive ease, perfectly reproducing all the affetti and maintaining precise intonation. Yet what really sets Manze at the head of the pack of baroque violinists is his marvelously sweet and rich tone production. Added to these strengths are crack playing from the ensemble and basso continuo section. Nigel North shows himself to be perhaps the most inventive continuo player I have ever heard...This recording earns my highest recommendations both for performance and acoustics."

Stereophile
"Manze is simply without peer among the world's Baroque violin specialists. And as an ensemble, Romanesca once again proves its preeminence in this rich and fertile field of Baroque repertoire." Performance FOUR ½ STARS Sound FIVE STARS

Classical Insites
Rating 10
"It's hard to pick out favorites in this album of gems, but I have a weak spot for the Passacaglio and the melancholy Sinfonia Terzo Tuono. It almost goes without saying that Romanesca, lead by violinist Andrew Manze, has scored another triumph following the tradition of their previous award-winning albums of Schmelzer and Biber violin sonatas. This is a winner."

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