Musica Amphion (Instrumental Ensemble)

Born: Holland

Musica Amphion, founded by harpsichordist/recorder player Pieter-Jan Belder, focuses on the performance of 17^th and 18^th century orchestral- and chamber music on original instruments. The concert-master is Rémy Baudet who holds a similar post with the Orchestra of the 18^th Century (Frans Brüggen).

The musicians of Musica Amphion are all members of important baroque orchestras of the moment such as the Orchestra of the 18^th Century, Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, the Nederlandse Bachvereniging, Les Musiciens du Louvre and The Academy of Ancient Music. Most of them enjoy successful solo careers as well.

Musica Amphion has performed as part of the Dutch Netwerk voor Oude Muziek, the Early Music Festival Utrecht, the Festival Classique in the Hague, the Bach Festival in Amsterdam, the Amsterdam Concertgebouw and many smaller venues in Holland and abroad. Musica Amphion is regularly performing at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw with soloist such as Michael Chance and Lisa Larsson. Coming season Musica Amphion is starting their own series in the Arnhem Musis Sacrum being orchestra in residence.

Musica Amphion has recorded extensively during the last few years. Among their recordings are J.S. Bach's Musikalisches Opfer (BWV 1079), harpsichord concertos by W.A. Mozart, Georg Philipp Telemann's Tafelmusik (complete) and the complete works (10CD box) of Arcangelo Corelli. Recently J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos (BWV 1046-1051) were released as well as the concertos for 2, 3 and 4 harpsichords by J.S. Bach. A recording for the Quintone label with keyboard concertos by Bach family members was received very enthusiastically by the press. It was awarded a “10” in the CD magazine Luister, being described as "the most appealing baroque CD in a very long time" (Kasper Jansen, NRC). Musica Amphions latest CD series, the complete chamber-music by Henry Purcell was highly appreciated by the international press (Diapason, Times, TOM). More recordings are being prepared, notably with soprano Johannette Zomer and oboist Bart Schneemann.

Source: Musica Amphion Website
Contributed by Aryeh Oron (August 2009)

Pieter-Jan Belder: Short Biography | Musica Amphion | Recordings of Instrumental Works | Recordings of Vocal Works
Dicsuuions of Instrumental Recordings: Goldberg Variations BWV 988 - played by P.J. Belder

Links to other Sites

Musica Amphion (Official Website) [English/Dutch/German]