‘All things beautiful’
A critical appreciation from one of our visitors:
There is something about the beauty of Tuscany that seems to give birth to all things beautiful. Now the hill top town of Montalcino – one of the jewels of medieval architecture and Renaissance art, and one of the most illustrious wine growing areas in the world – has given birth to a new and imaginative music festival by Musica Reale.
This is by no means the only music festival that you could visit in Tuscany, but – in just its third season – it is already the most individual and special. What makes it so special is the world-class talent of the musicians, drawn from the players of the famous Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. This is the ensemble that has just been voted the greatest orchestra in the world today, in a Gramophone Magazine poll conducted among musicians and critics from all around the world. And audiences can hear why, in every note.
The marvellous players from this world-beating orchestra play for you with flawless technique and an emotional commitment that is simply jaw dropping. The venue is a small and intimate theatre in the centre of Montalcino. You sit close enough to see, as well as hear, every note! Outside is a balcony for pre-performance drinks, and a beautiful piazza below where you can meet and talk with the musicians during al fresco dining after the concert. It adds up to an evening of total beauty for your eyes, your ears and your palate.
Keith Ravenscroft
Monte Amiata 2008
‘Il privilegio’
Col titolo “Musica Reale”, anche quest’anno abbiamo avuto il privilegio di trasmettere in differita la serie di concerti di musica da camera che nel luglio scorso hanno tenuto a Montalcino i Solisti della Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, definita recentemente, in un’inchiesta pubblicata dall’autorevole rivista britannica “Gramophone”, la migliore orchestra del mondo. I programmi eseguiti dalle prime parti di questo celebre complesso sono ricchi di partiture importanti ma anche di curiosità, come il Concertino di Schulhoff e il delizioso Nonetto di Spohr.
Alberto Battisti, Direttore Artistico, Rete Toscana Classica
Bolletino dei programmi, settembre 2009
‘Worth being alive’
An emotional response to an unforgettable night
back to topWe had counted on fine musicianship, but this was beyond anything we could have imagined. We had expected to be moved by the music, but we were actually transported. Afterwards, as we walked through the lamp-lit and echoing medieval streets of Montalcino, and then drove in the moonlight back to the dark peaks of Monte Amiata that we have made our summer home, I was reminded of what was once said in praise of another group of wonderful musicians: ‘ They made it worth being alive.” Thank you for doing just that for us. We shall be with you again next year – and every year.
