Feinstein Ensemble (Instrumental Ensemble)

Founded: London, England

Specialising in the historically accurate performance of music from the 18th century, the Feinstein Ensemble’s concerts and recordings of the Baroque repertoire have been acclaimed both in the UK and internationally. As one of the busiest period ensembles in Europe, they have toured in the Far East, Germany, France, the Gulf, Egypt, Israel, Belgium and Holland. They are resident period orchestra at St Martin-in-the-Fields in London, performing around 30 concerts a year there. They are regular performers at Southbank Centre and their Bach Weekend at Kings Place has become one of the highlights of London’s musical calendar .

The Feinstein Ensemble is best known for its interpretations of J.S. Bach. Collaborations with their sister group the London Bach Singers have resulted in critically acclaimed performances of all of J.S. Bach’s major choral works, including the Mass in B Minor (BWV 232), St John Passion (BWV 245) and St Matthew Passion (BWV 244), Magnificat (BWV 243) and Easter Oratorio (BWV 249). The Ensemble can be heard regularly on BBC Radio 3 and in 2009 they were invited by BBC Television to broadcast a groundbreaking documentary and performance of all six Brandenburg Concerti ((BWV 1046-1051)). Their recordings for Naxos, Black Box Music, Sanctuary Records, Dutton Epoch records and Barn Cottage Records have been universally praised by the critics.

Members of Feinstein Ensemble:

Martin Feinstein (Flute, Recorder, Music Director)
Catherine Manson (Violin, Director)
Jane Norman (Violin, Viola)
Christopher Suckling (Cello)
Kate Aldridge (Double-bass)
Robin Bigwood (Harpsichord, Organ)
Richard Campbell (July 10, 1946 - March 13, 2017) (Cello, Viola da gamba)

Reviews:

Musical Offering, Kings Place 2017: “The playing was full of verve and clarity” - The Guardian
Mass in B Minor, Kings Place 2016: “Full of excitement and raw energy: the crucifixus was quiet and menacing; the slow exposition of the counterpoint in the early section of et expecto felt as though each singer was daring the others to top the dissonances; the changes in tempo sparkled, and the trumpets accompanied the voices in soaring glory. This was the performance that moved the listener to tears, and this was the performance that gave life to Bach’s visionary genius.” - Music OMH
Complete Brandenburgs, QEH 2012: “I've heard the Brandenburg Concertos so many times, and in so many contexts. Yet what the Feinstein Ensemble did with them had revelatory freshness.” - The Independent
St John Passion, QEH 2011: “An immaculate sense of pace and mood kept everyone riveted through both the hurtling momentum of Christ's arrest and trial and the protracted anguish of the crucifixion.” - The Guardian
Vivaldi Recorder Concerti, released 2013 on Barn Cottage Records: “In the brilliant work in C Major, Feinstein’s tempo makes the first and third movements’ passagework sound all the more virtuosic, though he relaxes to play the slow movement with affecting lyricism. The somber Concerto in C Minor that follows displays yet another side of Feinstein’s musical personality; though it’s still brilliant, it offers more frequent opportunities for introspective reflection. Throughout these concertos, Feinstein and his Ensemble produce sonorities generally close to those suggested by historically informed practitioners; yet they eschew the abrasive contrasts that characterize performances of ensembles like Il Giardino Armonico and The Venice Baroque Orchestra and allow more subtle increases and decreases in dynamic level to underline the logic of the melodies’ movement. Warmly recommended.” - Fanfare (USA)
“Showcasing Martin Feinstein and his six-member period instrument ensemble, Feinstein has a lovely tone and a great deal of fun playing these works. Articulation is superb, all the parts come through clearly.” - Classical.Net
Cantatas, Bach Weekend at Southbank Centre 2012: “This concert was one of many pleasures in the Southbank’s annual Bach Weekend, presided over by flautist Martin Feinstein and his ensemble. The ensemble have a splendid vigour and clarity of sound and with the London Bach Singers they rose fully to the challenge of the Chorale Cantatas which were the weekend’s finale.” - The Independent
Flute Concertos: “Virtuoso flute concertos played with great authenticity and consummate musicianship... Feinstein has acquired a formidable command of Bach’s very particular style. The ‘Sturm und Drang’ movements bristle and threaten, while those in ‘Empfindsamer Stil’ charm with deeply felt sentiment. Feinstein is a graceful player and decisive conductor. Taking their cue from him, the string orchestra members produce cleanly articulated and shapely phrases. The balance between the flute and string orchestra is always beautifully judged and the interplay between them most sensitive” - Gramophone
“They play with a lightness and delicacy, yet also with a security and force that are a sheer delight. As for Feinstein himself, his flute-playing is beyond praise - I have never heard better.” - Fanfare (USA)
“Martin Feinstein, with his cool, limpid tone, is an adroit soloist, articulating deftly and negotiating the fireworks of the D minor Concerto’s finale with aplomb.” - BBC Music Magazine

Source: Martin Feinstein (July 2017); Photos 01-02: Sim Canetty-Clarke
Contributed by Martin Feinstein (July 2017)

Martin Feinstein: Short Biography | Feinstein Ensemble | London Bach Singers | Recordings of Instrumental Works
Reviews of Instrumental Recordings: Review: Flute Sonatas
Southbank Centre: Bach Weekend / Bach Weekend at Kings Palace

Links to other Sites

Feinstein Ensemble (Official Website)