HAYDN - La Passione
Symphonies 41, 49, 44.
Arion
Guest conductor : Gary Cooper

2009, EMCCD7769

This is a world premier recording of Symphony 41 with the composer’s originally intended instrumentation.

“From the very first rehearsal,” says British conductor Gary Cooper, well-known as one of the foremost ambassadors of the harpsichord and fortepiano, “I knew this recording would be a special one. In attempting to re-create something much closer to the sound world Haydn would have known at Esterháza, by using the modest forces he would have had at his disposal, I feel Arion have more than risen to the challenge! With such spirit, musicianship, flair and energy, they have brought these wonderful, dramatic symphonies back to life for me — but in such a new and refreshing way. You can hear they love every note of this music!”

"Versiones impetuosas y de contrastado dramatismo, con tempi en general
rápidos y una tímbrica muy sugerente y un punto agreste, aunque no por ello
faltas de lirismo"
Pablo J. Vayón, Diverdi, Espagne 2009

"The Montreal ensemble, led by Gary Cooper from the harpsichord, plays with staggering virtuosity and winning panache…"
James H. North
Fanfare Magazine, USA July/August 2009

Classic fM "Editor's Choice" UK
See full review.

Click here for a larger cover photo.

Click here to see a video made during the recording of this CD.

TELEMANN - Les trésors cachés
Arion
Guest conductor Jaap ter Linden
2007, EMCCD7766

Continuing its exploration of eclectic German composer Georg Philip Telemann's immense musical production, the Arion Baroque orchestra is happy to present "Telemann - Les trésors cachés" (Telemann - The Hidden Treasures), an album of rare concertos and overtures by the Magdeburg master. These lively, witty, and imaginative works for strings and winds in both the French and Italian styles (both of which Telemann mastered) are recorded here for the first time ever on period instruments. Among these rarities is the Overture in e minor "LíOmphale" which features music from Telemann's now lost opera Omphale, as well 'borrowing' a few other movements from another opera of the same name, by AndrÈ Cardinal Destouches (his French contemporary).

A regular guest conductor and soloist with Arion, in concert, on tour and on disc, the renowned Dutch cellist Jaap ter Linden leads the orchestra once again, with fine soloists taken from the ensemble's ranks.

“This CD is very much on a mission to expose the shameful neglect that much of Telemann’s outstanding music has fallen into in modern times – each of the five works in the recital are 100% deserving of a place in any baroque band’s repertoire….
The recorded sound is fantastically bright, and the playing first rate from all quarters. Definitely one of my recommendations from this month’s lists.”
BC, Early Music Review, England 2008

“la direccion (desde el violonchelo) de Jaap ter Linden es de una vitalidad extraordinaria y que la respuesta que los músicos canadienses le ofrecen es de un ajuste impecable. Entre las muchas intervenciones individuales que merecerían destacarse, resulta imprescindible mencionar, sobre todo por la atractiva dulzura de su timbre, a la flautista Claire Guimond.”
Alfredo Brotons Muñoz, Scherzo, Espagne 2009

REBEL - Les Plaisirs champêtres
Arion
Guest Conductor: Daniel Cuiller

2007, EMCCD7765

The recording is entirely devoted to French Baroque composer Jean-Féry Rebel and comprises some of his most admirable ballet music, along with the enigmatic suite Les Elemens.

The orchestra was awarded two Opus Prizes in January 2007 (voted by the Conseil québécois de la musique) for this program, which was featured in Arion’s 2006 activities. One Prize was for the ‘Concert of the Year in Montreal’ and the other for the ‘Concert of the Year, Music of the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Baroque eras’.

The thing that initially grabs you with this new recording is the sound. It’s ambient but rich and hearty, allowing for all the wonderful orchestral colours to shine. If you think French Baroque music is thin and wimpy, think again. Five Stars !

Rick Philipps, Sound Advice, CBC Radio

VIVALDI - Chiaroscuro
Arion
Mathieu Lussier, Bassoon

2006, EMCCD7764

It is with pleasure that early-music.com presents this new recording entirely dedicated to Venetian composer Antonio Vivaldi. The CD presents four bassoon concertos, two flute concertos, along with a concerto for flute and bassoon entitled ‘La notte’. For this recording, Arion performs as a chamber ensemble of 9 musicians and features bassoonist Mathieu Lussier and flautist Claire Guimond.

This recording project was preceded by a tour of concerts in Montreal and the surrounding area, and was awarded the Public’s Choice award by the Montreal Arts Council in recognition of its excellence.

This recording is a delight: full of energy and Vivaldi at his best. It is truly vivid Vivaldi and I think before you play The Four Seasons yet again you might want to try something new and fresh—and just as worthy.

Kemer Thomson, San Diego Harpsichord Society

FAUSTINA BORDONI - Faces of a Prima Donna
Arion and Guest Conductor Monica Huggett
With Kimberly Barber, mezzo-soprano
and with the participation of Jonathan Carle, baritone
2005, MVCD 1172

Faustina Bordoni (1697 – 1781, Venice) was universally ranked among the greatest singers of her age. This was at a time when the great castrati of the 18th century ruled the operatic stage, but Faustina, as she was known, was no less revered. Chroniclers raved about the flexibility and brilliance of her voice, her perfect intonation, outstanding breath control, and her musical intelligence. It was also said that her extraordinary singing abilities were matched by her acting.

It was this combination of a great singer and actor whose story needed to be told that inspired Toronto music critic and programmer Tamara Bernstein to create the program on which this CD is based, for the Montreal ensemble ARION. The recording features works by Handel, one of Faustina’ most devoted admirers, and by Johann Adolf Hasse, a composer of great talent and also Faustina’s loving husband.

The CD presents the talented Canadian mezzo-soprano KIMBERLY BARBER. The musical accompaniment and interludes in this recording go to one of Canada’s greatest early music ensembles, ARION, famous for its refined and expressive performances. The group calls upon world-renowned guest conductors to perform vocal and instrumental works in its high-profile series of concerts in Montreal. For this occasion, soloist, director and chamber musician extraordinaire MONICA HUGGETT leads the ensemble. The gifted young baritone, JONATHAN CARLE also assists.

de Bach à Mozart
Following the path of the Trio Sonata
Claire Guimond: baroque flute, Gary Cooper: harpsichord
and Jaap ter Linden: baroque cello

2005, EMCCD7762

For this recording project, flautist Claire Guimond has chosen to work with two extraordinary accomplices : British harpsichordist Gary Cooper and Dutch cellist Jaap ter Linden. They propose a program of trio sonatas that invites the listener to follow the path of that musical genre from the music of the great J.S. Bach to W.A. Mozart, including sonatas by Carl Philipp Emanuel, Johann Christoph Friedrich and Johann Christian Bach.

In sum, these artists achieve a unity that transcends the requirements of the notation – a veritable musical trinity.

The WholeNote (Canada), July 2005

Telemann, Tutti flauti !
Arion
Guest Conductor: Jaap ter Linden
with Matthias Maute & Sophie Larivière (recorders),
Claire Guimond & Mika Putterman (baroque flutes).
2005, EMCCD7763

Telemann was an imaginative and highly prolific composer and is definitely among Arion’s favourites. This recording is the perfect occasion to hear some of his concertos for various combinations of woodwinds and string instruments, with a common point of always having either a baroque flute or recorder as one solo instrument.

*** Nominated for an Opus Prize ***
(Conseil québécois de la musique, Canada)
*** Nominated for a Juno Award ***
(Canada’s Music Awards)
*** Nominated for a Felix Award ***
(ADISQ, Canada)

Beautiful and impressive playing like this sets the standards to which others must aspire!

Early Music Review (United Kingdom).

Maria, Madre di Dio
Arion
Guest Conductor: Monica Huggett
with Agnès Mellon, soprano and Matthew White, countertenor.
2003, EMCCD 7757

The recording features 4 works dedicated to the Virgin Mary (2 in Italian, 2 in Latin). The soloists are accompanied by a luscious 15-piece orchestra.

*** Early Music Record of the year 2004 ***
(Opus Magazine, Toronto, Canada)

Features:
VIVALDI, A. : Stabat Mater (for alto)
HANDEL, G.F. : Ah! Che troppo ineguali (for soprano)
SCARLATTI, A. : Salve Regina (for soprano & alto)
HANDEL/FERRANDINI : Il Pianto di Maria (for soprano)

The voices are gorgeous, and perfectly matched. But ultimately it's the conjunction of sensual beauty and intense sorrow that floors the listener.
- Tamara Bernstein,The National Post (Canada).

Much of the credit for this must go to Monica Huggett, who directs Arion to play brilliantly, emotionally, and with impeccable style. Recordings of these ‘Handel’ works are few and far between, so this early-music.com release is of obvious interest to collectors. But, far more importantly, this is an exceptionally fine recital of baroque sacred vocal music that deserves all the recognition it can get.

David Vickers, GF Handel.org (England)

HANDEL – Love Duets
Arion
Guest Conductor: Stephen Stubbs
with Suzie LeBlanc, soprano and Daniel Taylor, alto.
2002, ACD 2 2260

For most of his life, Handel was primarily an opera composer. Although he is mostly remembered today for his oratorios, which as a dramatic stage form occupied him exclusively from 1741 till the end of his life, he composed over 40 operas, starting in Hamburg in 1705, then in Italy, and finally in London. Within the restricted forms of the Baroque aria, the music of these operas often attain the pinnacle of dramatic expression, and this is particularly true of the love duets, the main focus of this recording. These duets, most of which were originally sung by the celebrated soprano Cuzzoni and alto castrato Senesino, are brought to passionate life here by the contemporary fiery pair of Suzie LeBlanc and Daniel Taylor. Directed by Stephen Stubbs, Arion supports the singers with flair.

TELEMANN - Six Concertos
Claire Guimond , baroque flute and Luc Beauséjour, harpsichord.

2002, EMCCD7755

At last the dream team of Claire Guimond and Luc Beauséjour have released a follow –up to their earlier successful joint endeavour (Boismortier Sonatas). These beautiful Telemann Concertos are surprisingly unknown. In this recording, produced in February of 2002 in Québec, they are brought to a new height by this symbiotic artistic partnership. A must-get recording !

*** Nomination, CD of the year, Baroque Music ***
Conseil québécois de la Musique

Claire Guimond and Luc Beauséjour are fine players, masters of their instruments and of the style. Guimond has a lovely tone and a fluid and involving line, with tasteful ornamentation.

Goldberg Magazine (Spain), April 2003

MOZART - Flute Quartets
Claire Guimond, baroque flute
with Sonnerie, led by Monica Huggett.
2001, EMCCD 7754

One of Canada's most sought-after flautists, Claire Guimond proudly introduces her version of Mozart's four flute quartets. A most interesting mixture of dreamyness and humour is presented, on what is destined to become a truly important recording An impeccably engineered recording and extremely well performed, totally embued by the warmth and softeness of Claire Guimond's baroque flute which has become a real trademark for this outstanding performer.

*** Nomination, CD of the year, Classical and Romantic ***
Conseil québécois de la Musique

Guimond is a graceful and bold artist whose fluidity is complemented by keenly articulate speech. She claims ample airiness and agility.

Donald Rosenberg, Gramophone, April 2004

BACH - Suite and concertos
Arion
Guest Conductor: Jaap ter Linden

2001, EMCCD7753

Arion, celebrates this year its 20th Anniversary with yet another orchestral recording, entirely dedicated to J.S. Bach. The CD features some 20 musicians under the direction of world-renowned Dutch conductor Jaap ter Linden.

*** Nomination, CD of the year, Baroque Music ***
Conseil québécois de la Musique

...this is generally music-making of such high quality and imagination that, regardless of what you may have heard before, there are plenty of new insights to be had.
- Laurence Vittes, Gramophone, April 2004

The Montreal-based Arion has grown from a respectable quartet to a first-rate baroque orchestra. A steady stream of inspiring guest directors is one of the secrets to its success. Here, the Netherlands's Jaap ter Linden conducts the orchestra in ebullient, soulful performances of well-known Bach works.

The National Post (Canada), June 2002

Suites concertantes
Arion
Guest Conductor: Barthold Kuijken

2001, ACD2 2257

Alain Bénard, Canada, Le Journ

HANDEL - Sacred Arias
Arion
Guest Conductor: Monica Huggett
Daniel Taylor: Alto
2001, ACD2 2222

Elissa Poole, Canada, The Globe

Blavet, Sonatas for flute and bass continuo
Claire Guimond: baroque flute with
John Toll: harpsichord & Jonathan Manson: viola da gamba
1999, ACD2 2204

Michel Blavet was perhaps the most distinguished French flautist of his century. He "resurrected the art and destiny of the flute".

Claire Guimond is a most worthy interpreter and enjoys sensitive and musical support from John Toll and Jonathan Manson.

CORRETTE - Simphonies des noël - Concertos comiques
Arion

2008, EMCCD7768 (re-release)

In relying on popular tunes of all sorts, whether it be traditional songs (as in the “Concertos comiques”) or popular French Christmas carols (called “noëls”), Michel Corrette (1707-1795) bequeathed not only musical collections exemplifying the light entertainment of 18th-century France, but a wealth of information for the study of his sources. Corrette’s numerous music tutors and detailed prefaces are also indispensable for the understanding of performance practice in France at the time. Arion — in one of its first forays as a small orchestra — gives these high-spirited works all the panache they deserve. A Baroque “must” for the Holiday Season!

The early music group Arion plays at its highest level. The recorded sound is also intimate and ideal. A triumph on all levels.

Philip Anson, La Scena Musicale

LECLAIR - Concertos
Arion
Guest Conductor and soloist Monica Huggett
Claire Guimond: baroque flute
1998, ACD2 2143

O'Carolan's Harp
Arion with
Siobhan McDonnall, Celtic Harps

1997, MAR 195

The majority of this music was composed for the harp by Turlogh O'Carolan (Toirdhealbhach Ó Cearbhalláin, 1670-1738). He was the last of the traditional Irish bards, an itinerant harpist and composer who depended on the hospitality of wealthy patrons for his livelihood.
Although O'Carolan did not study European art music formally, he admired and emulated it. He was reportedly particularly fond of the music of Arcangello Corelli.

BOISMORTIER - Les Quatre Saisons
Arion
with Isabelle Desrochers: soprano, Hervé Lamy: tenor
& Max van Egmond: baritone
1997, MVCD 1098

French Cantatas for solo voice, combined with symphonies.

Alan Horgan, Hour, Canada, Sep

TELEMANN - Tafelmusik (first production).
Arion

1997, FL2 3118

Jean-Luc Macia, Diapason, France

JS BACH - Six trio-sonatas (BWV 525-530)
Arion

1996, FL2 3086

Although known as Organ Sonatas these pieces were often played, as here, in the traditional baroque trio sonata format of four instrumentalists (two being assigned to the base line).

Commentators agree in praising the variety of their moods, their poetic nuances, their dynamic enrtgy, their elegance and their richness. This unique group may appear as the most radiant of all Bach's offerings.

Twelve Fantasias for Flute without bass.
Georg Philipp Telemann

1995, Analekta, FL2 8053

Admired uncinditionally by Quantz, who held these Fantasies to be exemplary, surpasing even the works of many of the great virtuoso flutists of the time, Telemann has handed down to us one of the most inventive, musically original pages in the entire flute repertoire.

Claire Guimond offers us her own sensitive and musical interpretation - one to rank with the very best.

Un concert en Nouvelle-France
Arion
with Richard Duguay: tenor

1995, MVCD 1081

Here is re-created a concert that might have taken place in a residence of Quebec City, Trois Rivières or Montreal in the 18th C., with music by composers who are less well known today but were the most fashionable of their time:
Pierre Février, Quinault, Jacques Champion de Chambonnières, Jean-Joseph Mouret and others.

Natasha Gauthier, Hour, 1995,

JS BACH - Musical Offering
Arion

1995, FL2 3065

Francois Tousignant, Le Devoir

Joseph Bodin de Boismortier
Six Sonatas for Flute & Harpsichord Op.91
Claire Guimond: baroque flute and Luc Beauséjour: Harpsichord

1995, FL2 3008

These sonatas are some of the earliest written to show a balance and inseperable partnership between the flute and harpsichord. They reach forward a generation to the style of Bach's sons rather than that of Boismortier's contemporaries.

The technical requirements are demanding for both parts, but Guimond & Beauséjour are well up to the challenge and deliver an exemplary and enjoyable performance.

Mythologie
Cantates francaises des XVlle siècle.
Arion
with Danièle Forget: soprano

1994, Analekta, FL2 3078

Greek legends set to music by:
Louis-Nicolas Clérambault, André Campra, Michel Pignolet de Montéclair.
The French chamber cantata can best be understood as an opera in miniature, in which a small number of instruments accompany a voice which plays, by turns, both narrator and protagonist.

François Tousignant, Le Devoir

Baroque Chamber Music with Recorder
Arion ensemble with Marion Verbruggen

Titanic Records Ti-177

Flute Concertos of the 18th. century
Barthold Kuijken: flute
Tafelmusik

1991, SK 48 045

Composers:
C Stamitz, FX Richter, J Stamitz, J Haydn/L Hofmann, CW Gluck

TELEMANN - Paris quartets (lV, V, Vl)
Arion

1991, MVCD 1040

Telemann was perhaps the first composer of truly international European stature. These works made no small contribution to his reputation being published initially in his home town of Hamburg but then again in Paris, as a result of which he was invited to Paris. His trip lasted 8 months and was a resounding success !

Arion's sensitivity and musicality do justice to the music.

Dominique Olivier, Journal Voi

Entre Paris et Versailles
French chamber music of the 18th. C.
Composers: Jean-Marie Leclair, Jacques Hotteterre & Guillemain

1985, FL2 3020

The flowering of modern chamber music may be said to have taken place in Paris in the early 18th. C. as the young and brighter intelectuals and artists escaped from the strict etiquette of Versailles.

Arion bring us some first rate examples.

Claude Gingras, La Presse 1985

Conversations en musique

Arion


People making music together, conversing with each other through music: such was the ideal in a world before the concert hall became the principal venue for chamber music. Paris in the early 18th.C. was one place where this kind of music making flourished.

Arion bring us some polished examples from:
Marin Marais
Alexandre de Villeneuve
Jean-Baptiste Quentin (Le Jeune)
Jean-Joseph Cassanéa de Mondonville
Georg Philipp Telemann

Edgar Fruitier, Journal de Mon

Chants d’Acadie: Tout passe


2007, ACD22522

“Tout passe is a genuine pilgrimage to the sources of Acadia. Echoing the many displacements experienced by early Acadians, Tout passe shows their endurance and their faith, and pays homage to the richness of their musical heritage.” - Suzie LeBlanc