For several years now, I have been hearing questions after concerts from audience members or colleagues asking if they can buy my CD, but I didn´t have one. Then, one day, suddenly became clear to me what I wanted to record and who I wanted to record it with. Now, my CD is finally here.
The dynamic music of the Baroque masters comes to life. You will find it all on this CD! Virtuosity, lightness and endless musical phrases. The rich instrumentation of the recorder family and the basso continuo - including harpsichord, theorbo, baroque guitar, baroque cello - lure you into the beauty of the baroque period.
This CD presents selected works by Baroque masters and musical pioneers Arcangelo Corelli and Georg Friedrich Händel in historically informed settings. In other words, you will hear the music as it was played at the time of its composition. All the musicians involved play period instruments or copies of them. They include Monika Knoblochová on harpsichord, Libor Mašek on cello and Jan Krejča on theorbo or baroque guitar. And, of course, myself on several kinds of recorders...
Although most pieces on the CD originated for the violin, I present them here in preexisting transcriptions or my own arrangements. I have chosen to use the rich variety of the recorder family - alto recorder in F, soprano in C, soprano in D ("sixth flute") or the so-called Voice Flute in D, popular in Baroque England.
The project will present the virtuosity of Czech musical artists. The choice of repertoire is also unique, because it is hardly ever heard in recorder performances. I will record and release these rarely played sonatas in top quality and performance in May of this year, thanks to your support from Supraphon.
The official lowest note of the alto flute in F is the note F. Do you think it can be played below its range? In your opinion, is the musician the elegant person on stage or is his profession similar to, say, sports performance? During the filming there were some almost acrobatic stunts by the recorder player to use her knee fingering to play notes outside her range!
Michaela Koudelková is a recorder player in body and soul, who is not afraid of big challenges, both in music and in life. Her talent and diligence has taken her to many festivals around the world (USA, Israel, Holland, Germany, Spain, France, etc.) and has allowed her to meet other artists who have become her colleagues and friends. Her attention to detail and sensitive musicality has been recognized with top awards at international competitions (Italy, Israel, USA, Poland, Czech Republic). Her virtuosity and nuanced interpretations has garnered her positive acclaim both at home and around the world.
We all have our dreams, and they come at a cost. Not just time, effort and energy. My big wish is to release a solo CD that will present the first tangible result of my life's work and passion. I would be very grateful for any financial support to make my dream a reality!