On this album, the convergence of European baroque music and Chinese traditional music gives an inspiring, refreshing and unique sound. A leading role is played by the Chinese sheng, a mouth organ whose sound resembles an accordion. The sheng and sometimes erhu (Chinese violin) and bawu (Chinese flute) are played by the Chinese master musician Wu Wei. With his magical playing he enchants not only
… the audience but also his fellow musicians of Holland Baroque. This innovative baroque orchestra of the sisters Judith and Tineke Steenbeek succeeds well in their goal of translating baroque music into the present. Together it was explored which baroque composers struck a chord with Wu Wei. And vice versa, the members of the orchestra immersed themselves in Chinese pieces of music with its typical pentatonic key. Judith Steenbrink created new compositions and there was room for improvisation. With the same love for phrasing, resonance and expression, Holland Baroque and Wu Wei performed a very inspiring program. (SvdP)more
