Bach; Telemann; Albinoni - Concerti (Ensemble Masques)

Information

Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach; Georg Philipp Telemann; Tomaso Albinoni

• Bach - Violin Concerto in A Minor, BWV 1041
• Albinoni - String Sonata à 5 in G Major, Op. 2 No. 1
• Telemann - Viola Concerto in G Major, TWV 51:G9
• Albinoni - String Sonata à 5 in G Minor, Op. 2 No. 11
• Bach - Violin Concerto in E Major, BWV 1042

Sophie Gent, violin

Kathleen Kajioka, viola

Ensemble Masques

Olivier Fortin, conductor

Date: 2025

Label: Alpha Classics

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Ensemble Masques is a renowned baroque group composed of six core instrumentalists, celebrated for their expressive, eloquent, and richly nuanced interpretations. Named after the multifaceted Elizabethan masques, the ensemble embraces the diversity of Baroque music, exploring 17th- and 18th-century repertoire across national styles. Each member is an accomplished soloist and collaborator with leading early music ensembles, united by a passion for the expressive depth of Baroque music. Known for their adventurous programming—from Telemann to the German Baroque—the group performs widely across Europe and North America. As exclusive ALPHA artists, their critically acclaimed recordings have earned major awards including Diapason d’Or and Gramophone Editor’s Choice.

Olivier Fortin is a distinguished Canadian harpsichordist and early music specialist. After graduating with distinction from the Québec Conservatory in 1995, he pursued advanced studies in Montreal, Paris, and Amsterdam with renowned teachers including Pierre Hantaï and Bob van Asperen. A prizewinner at the Montreal Bach Competition and the Bruges Festival in 1997, Fortin enjoys an international career as a soloist and chamber musician. He regularly performs and records with leading ensembles such as Masques, Capriccio Stravagante, and Tafelmusik, and collaborates with Skip Sempé and Pierre Hantaï in multi-harpsichord programs. He also teaches at the Tafelmusik Summer Institute.