Rosanne Philippens plays Haydn & Stravinsky with The Vondel Strings

This is joyous music making by all involved. Rosanne Philippens both conducts and performs as soloist. (...) Rosanne Philippens delivers a simply stunning account of Le baiser as soloist while simultaneously leading the ensemble in a performance that simply resonates with musical acumen and joyous music-making. (...) I cannot recommend this album more highly. It is superbly performed, imaginatively programmed, and in some of the best sound quality I've heard from Jared Sacks. The clarity of the strings and the balance between ensemble and soloist is simply outstanding.

[...]The result is stunning. Two highly energetic violin concerti by Haydn frame a gorgeous arrangement of Stravinsky's Le Baiser de la fée (The Fairy's Kiss). Stravinsky wrote this work as a ballet in one act and four scenes in 1928. In 1934 Stravinsky reworked the ballet to a four-movement suite for violin and piano entitled Divertimento, and it is this work that composer James Ledger arranged for the violin and strings arrangement we here on this album. The ensemble here delivers superbly, with precision and a ready response to the changing moods throughout the piece, particularly with the various percussive sounds the strings are required to deliver in perfect unison.[...]

The result is simply breathtaking. With imaginative and audacious programming, we are regaled to a dazzling account of two violin concerti embracing a gorgeous arrangement of Stravinsky’s ‘Le baiser de la fée’, signed James Ledger. And looking at the list of musicians, one wonders where all this talent comes from.

Being a soloist in high regard is one thing, being able to lead an energetic group of aspiring players is quite another. Rosanne clearly is a person that can do both. My prime observation must be that it is the gift of youth to play with such eagerness and buoyantly ‘addictive’ engagement. There can be no doubt: With such genuine commitment, they will not fail to enchant any audience.

James Ledger’s orchestration of Stravinsky’s Divertimento is new to me. But judging it on its own merits I admire the kind of craftsmanship put into it. Rosanne's playing is technically supreme, negotiating the virtuosi elements with ease without giving in to ‘showing off’, whilst expertly painting the different modes from sensitive to resolute into a most convincing Fairy Tale. The players follow suit with impeccable precision, turning Ledger’s Fairy into a balanced performance of equal souls.

If Haydn’s violin concerti were only made to amuse the Esterhazy household, then we should be pleased that Philippens cs. ably lifted them to a higher level, bringing out its delicate delight. To give them more weight I’ve heard them played too fast in the outer movement and too slow in the central part. Rosanne’s take is one of modest yet vibrant excellence, remaining with her Vondel friends honestly respectful towards the playful character of both concerti. A wonderful experience!

Jared Sacks must have put all his engineering, editing, and mastering skills into this recording. Not only to give Rosanne Philippens and The Vondel Strings their full due but also to lend full support to Rosanne in her wish to dedicate this release to the late Coosje Wijzenbeek.

This is a recording that we should all cherish for what it is: A guarantee that with such gifted players excellence and creativity can be safeguarded for many, many years to come. I do hope that this is not a one-off and that, with the end of Covid restriction hopefully near, The Vondel Strings and its spiritual Captain will continue to excel and enchant live audiences