Accademia Bizantina

“Directing from the keyboard, Dantone avoids obtruding mannerisms and keeps the music dancing. Any novelty lies instead with the Accademia’s abbreviated forces – five string players, one to a part.” The Times, 18th July 2008 ****

“...here is a triumphant vindication of the authentic approach from the Milanese harpsichordist Ottavio Dantone and his Accademia Bizantina. His performances are free-flowing within the confines of the language, and he is not afraid to indulge in expressive fantasy, notably in the cool, pizzicato-dominated largo of the F minor Concerto BWV 1056. He is accompanied by just five energetic string players - one to a part - but the effect never sounds insubstantial, and the recording neatly integrates soloist and "orchestra".” The Telegraph, 16th August 2008

“Compared to Mortensen's blend of eloquent virtuosity and tasteful discretion, the playing of Accademia Bizantina seems hard and unyielding, though there are nevertheless moments of great beauty.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2008 ***

“These fragments of Vivaldian arcana make for an entirely satisfying programme, thanks to the high quality of the music - Servilia’s Tu dormi in tante pene, from the Mantuan carnival version of Tito Manlio, is the highlight - and to Prina’s fabulous singing. Her training as a trumpeter gives her singing a muscularity and endless reserves of breath. A thrilling disc.” Sunday Times, 4th May 2008 ****

“All of the music is expertly crafted, and some of it is extraordinary… Sonia Prina has a firm grasp on melodic lines and supple timbre. She reaffirms her status as an outstanding Baroque opera singer…” Gramophone Magazine, September 2008

“Starting then with The Seasons, to my mind few performances succeed so well in striking a balance between the two elements - cimento (harmony) and inventione (fantasy) - established in Vivaldi's title.” Gramophone Magazine, February 2008