Margret Koell - Sound Stories (LP)

"Sound Stories" by Margret Koell and Stefan Temmingh is a captivating journey through five centuries of music, performed on an impressive array of instruments. This album features Margret Koell on the Baroque triple harp and single action harp, and Stefan Temmingh on a collection of recorders, showcasing their virtuosity and the rich sonic possibilities of their chosen instruments.

The album spans a diverse range of compositions, from the elegance of the Renaissance to the boldness of modern works. Each track tells a story, drawing from musical traditions across six countries and twelve different recorders. The arrangements, crafted by Margret Koell, Stefan Temmingh, and Gert-Leonhardt, bring a fresh perspective to both familiar and lesser-known pieces.

Highlights include arrangements of works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Domenico Scarlatti, and Astor Piazzolla, alongside traditional pieces and original compositions. The album opens with a suite of Nele's Dances, a captivating series of movements that demonstrate the expressive range of the recorder and harp duo. Other standout tracks include the hauntingly beautiful "Oblivión" and the lively "Orfeo ed Euridice: Balletto."

"Sound Stories" is a testament to the power of music to connect us across time and space. With its engaging programming and superb performances, this album is sure to delight both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The album was recorded in the acoustically stunning St Monans Kirk in Scotland, adding an atmospheric depth to the performances.