Ensemble Notturna

"This CD is something of a find: these quartet sonatas are music of real quality, and the unusual instrumental combinations are delightful. The five works are given compelling performances by Christopher Palameta (oboe) and his colleagues in Notturna. Strongly recommended.”

"Christopher Palameta leads Notturna in an expert performance of five of these quartets— three of which are world premiere recordings. Notturna’s playing is spirited and sensitive and highlights the intricacies of the composer’s crisp counterpoint. In particular, the marvelous oboe playing is smooth and sparkling."

"Palameta is widely fêted for oboe performances that are suffused with equal amounts of aesthetic beauty and historical rigour [...] Thanks to Palameta, Van den Borre, Martin, Robinson and Sailly, this important and underrepresented music lives on for future audiences." 

"The musicians play with a fluid, seductive balance. Palameta’s silky oboe sound is captivating."

Stars: 3/4

"Throughout, each of the three voices is beautifully shaped and the lines balanced so that no one instrument dominates the sound – in fact, it is a virtuoso display of the fine art of musical dialogue."

"Die fünf Musikerinnen und Musiker des Ensembles Notturna spielen auffallend klangschöne Instrumente." - "The five musicians of Notturna play strikingly beautifully.”

"Let yourself be whisked away by Notturna’s liquid sonorities (…) Palameta is a refined and intelligent performer.”

"Christopher Palameta is to be commended for presenting another excellent set of performances. His ensemble is intimately familiar with the style; they allow the music to move and breathe in its own natural pace. We eagerly look forward to more in this series."

"This disc is a model of creative programming. The performances do the repertoire full justice. Palameta produces a clear and penetrating tone, and Catherine Martin is a perfect match. The balance between the two instruments is just right."

"The French group Notturna is accomplished and they take vibrant tempos. Bracing, solid period instrument playing makes this series worthwhile.”

"The ensemble is excellent [...] In short, this is a most worthy disc for lovers of the early Classical period style and should be an addition to their collections. Moreover, they demonstrate that Janitsch was a clever and talented composer who deserves resurrection.”

"Christopher Palameta is a highly accomplished exponent of the early oboe and plays and directs Notturna with equal assurance and musicality.”

"Palameta’s oboe performance is especially colourful in its detail and ability to cement parts together. The balanced performances make this Notturna release one to be enjoyed time and time again.”

"The ensemble is excellent, and the performers have a good sense of rhythmic pulse. I am very grateful that Notturna shed light on Janitsch's oeuvre as he turns out to be a composer of highly original and compelling chamber music. I hope that this disc is not the last in this project." 

The luminous transverse flute of Mika Putterman provides a sharp contrast to the dark and equally enticing sound of the oboe d’amore, played by the ensemble’s director, Christopher Palameta.

"Throughout the recording Palameta’s passion for the oboe is clear. Both oboists in Notturna rise masterfully to the varied and demanding challenges of the Allegro in the C minor Sonata, opus 4. The opening bars of the Largo are at once celestial and solemn; the all-but-forgotten Janitsch is no composer of dull chamber music."

"Janitsch’s tasteful, sophisticated writing is hugely appealing and it is hard not to overstate just how sublimely pleasurable Notturna’s sound is.”