SCHMITT: Early Symphonies and Chamber Music Classical PentaTone

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SUPERSONIC “Highly recommended” Eémy Franck

Pizzicato Magazine

“The four symphonies presented here mostly exhibit the mannerist traits of the Mannheim School and the Empfindsamkeit of C.P.E. Bach; the flute quartets are more in the gallant vein. In the symphonies, the New Dutch Academy Orchestra (playing authentic instrument and supported by both harpsichord and theorbo in the continuo), directed by Murphy, play with great vigour and precision, generating considerable excitement (these are concert performances), particularly in the G major and E flat Hurdy Gurdy Symphonies…. The listener will find much here to enjoy, especially with performances as excellent and as well recorded (in the Oud-Katholieke Kerk of The Hague) as these.” Robert Levett

International Record Review

“Whilst there are not the works of absolute genius that Mozart bestowed upon the world, Schmitt was clearly very talented….A very enjoyable excursion to the "Dutch Haydn" - hopefully there will be more to follow.” John Broggio

SA-CD.net

“Murphy and his fine ensemble give superlative performances of a wide range of Schmitt’s work including his first Dutch composition, the Symphony in G, and two of his quartets….Performances, on "authentic instruments" are dynamic, the recorded sound exemplary. Recommended! Robert Benson

Classicalcdreview.com

“This superb period-instrument disc from PentaTone strives to restore Schmitt’s name to the pantheon he so richly deserves….I’m definitely onboard for this superb disc”. Tom Gibbs

Audiophile Audition

”Schmitt is aided no end by these orchestral performances, which are wild and exciting…..Murphy’s high-spirited presentations also recall those of René Jacobs….. The SACD layer produces an almost luminescent quality, and surround sound turns the ensemble into a giant one” James H. North

Fanfare

The listener will find much here to enjoy, especially with performances as excellent and as well recorded as these. Robert Levett

To say that the music is “Haydenesque” is an understatement, especially since we’ve probably heard much of this music before and unknowingly attributed it to Haydn. This music deserves to be heard in its present context, however, as it sheds an entirely new light on all the included orchestral and chamber works. And while I tend to ride the fence with regard to period instrument performances – I’m definitely onboard for this superb disc!

The 5.0 multichannel hybrid SACD is sourced from a DSD original, and offers superb sound for both stereo and surround listening. The multichannel layer offers a stage perspective, and immerses the listener within the instrumentalists, while preserving the acoustic of the recorded space. Five stars – very highly recommended! Tom Gibbs

Audioaudition.com

Schmitt is aided no end by these orchestral performances, which are wild and exciting. The Dutch have long been leaders in period instruments and practice, and this tangy ensemble is a beauty…..These recordings are mixture of “concerts and sessions at the Oud-Katholieke Kerk of The Hague. The church acoustics are excellent, with a nice sweet, reverberation but never too much of it. James H. North

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