Retrospect Ensemble

Retrospect Ensemble is London's exciting new period instrument orchestra and choir. Founded in 2009 the group has already undertaken major concert tours to the Far East, Middle East and Europe and performed at a number of prestigious UK festivals. Directed by Matthew Halls, one of the UK's most dynamic young conductors and acclaimed keyboard players, Retrospect Ensemble is taking its musicians and audiences on a new journey - exploring the repertoire of four centuries, embracing the practices, styles and aesthetics of former ages with renewed vigour and a fresh approach.

Retrospect Ensemble is a flexible group which performs as an orchestra, a choir, a chamber ensemble (including the Retrospect Trio, whose first recording was issued by Linn Records in May 2009) and other combinations - more about Retrospect Ensemble.

News
August 2011 - Second Gramophone Award nomination for Retrospect
 

For the second time in as many years, Retrospect has been nominated for a coveted Gramophone Award. This year the group's recent recording of Bach's Easter and Ascension Oratorios has attracted the attention of the judges and has been named as one of the six finalists in the Baroque Vocal category. Described by the Sunday Times as "top-drawer Bach throughout" (Classical CD of the Week) and hailed by critics as a "landmark" Bach recording, this recent release is available in CD and download formats via the Linn Records website.



August 2011 - New Purcell Recording
 

We are delighted to announce the release of our latest CD featuring the sublime music of Henry Purcell. This second volume of Purcell Sonatas by Retrospect Trio has been hotly anticipated since its debut recording, a Finalist at the 2009 Gramophone Awards, was released; BBC Music Magazine described the follow up as "a mouthwatering matter of urgency." You can find more information on this recording on the Linn Records website.



August 2011 - Trio returns from Finland


The four members of Retrospect Trio (violinists Matthew Truscott and Sophie Gent, cellist/gambist Jonathan Manson and harpsichordist Matthew Halls) have just returned from their debut appearance at the Vantaa Festival in Helsinki, where they were previewing their new disc of Purcell Sonatas (to be released in September). You can view video excerpts of this concert online. Purcell's Sonata in three parts number III  and 'O Solitude' (with soprano Julia Doyle) were amongst the musical highlights of this memorable concert.

 

March 2011 - Bach Easter Oratorio now available for download

April 4th marks the official release date of our latest recording on the award-winning Linn Records label. A world-class solo lineup and the combined forces of Retrospect Ensemble and Choir offer rousing performances of Bach's Easter and Ascension Oratorio. The disc is already receiving praise from the critics!

"MUSICAL highs don't come much better than a good dose of Bach in "rejoice" mode. So here's a double dose – a coupling of the Easter and Ascension Oratorios, served up with tingling and ecstatic energy by the excellent Retrospect Ensemble. Three components combine with single-minded unity and intent: the vital but stylistic flair of the small chorus; the poetic eloquence and lack of preciousness of the period instruments; and a star-studded band of soloists that include the purebred lustre of soprano Carolyn Sampson, resplendent tenor James Gilchrist, and the furiously agile countertenor Iestyn Davies. Conductor Matthew Halls gleans warmth from this wonderful music."
*****
Kenneth Walton, The Scotsman

For more information on the CD - including all currently available download formats - visit the Linn Records website.

 


October 1st 2010 - Linn Records triumphs at 2010 Gramophone Awards ceremony!

We are delighted to hear the news that Linn Records has been named 'Record Label of the Year' at today's Gramophone Awards ceremony in London.

"Linn is the very model of a modern record company, ensuring that the highest standards are maintained from the studio right through the company’s very impressive digital store. Shrewd A&R and matching ear-catching musicianship to appropriate repertoire, creates a sense of anticipation around every release.”

James Jolly, Editor-in-Chief, Gramophone Magazine.

You can read the press release here.

Upcoming Events

Saturday 25th February 2012, 19:30

Bath Bachfest

Bath Abbey

J S Bach - Cantata Am Abend aber desselbigen Sabbats BWV 42

Kuhnau/J S Bach - Motet Der Gerechte kommt um

J S Bach - Cantata Nach Dir, Herr, verlanget mich BWV 150

J S Bach - Motet Lobet den Herrn BWV 230

J S Bach - Lutheran Mass in G major BWV 236

Julia Doyle soprano Christopher Ainslie countertenor Charles Daniels tenor Peter Harvey bass

Choir and Orchestra of Retrospect Ensemble

Matthew Halls director

more diary dates

orchestral image orchestral image orchestral image orchestral image
quotes

a spellbinding concert... [Matthew Halls] inspired lithe performances from the vocal and instrumental ensembles, who constantly rearranged themselves with well-rehearsed assurance. The stones of Venice may crumble and sink but its music, with performances of this joy and sophistication, is imperishable.

quotes

The Evening Standard

Listen to us

S'Accenda Pur Di Festa Il Cor
Parnasso In Festa, GF Handel, HWV 73

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Sonata V in G minor - Canzona
Purcell: 10 sonatas in 4 parts
Retrospect Trio

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more about our recordings

 

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