Joel Frederiksen
Orpheus, I am
The fascinating bass voice of Joel Frederiksen explores the magical world of English, French, and Italian music from the Renaissance to the early Baroque. Intimate songs accompanied by lutes and viola da gamba.
The activities of Joel Frederiksen are many-faceted. As a bass singer he has performed with Jordi Savall, Paul O’Dette, and Stephen Stubbs and with the ensembles Musica fiata, Freiburger Baroque Orchestra, Josquin Capella, Hassler Consort, Ensemble Gilles Binchois, and Huelgas Ensemble. From 1990-99 in America he was a member of two distinguished ensembles for early music, The Waverly Consort and the Boston Camerata. Mr. Frederiksen has recorded over 25 CDs for major record labels and has toured around the world. His solo CD, Orpheus, I am, was received to critical acclaim in the US and Europe. As a singer who plays the lute, he is a leading interpreter of music from the English lutenist songwriters and of early Italian Baroque music. His coloratura basso profundo voice with its wide range, special timbre and his expressive performances have earned him worldwide acclaim.
SEE JOEL FREDERIKSEN'S HARMONIA MUNDI RELEASES:
THE ELFIN KNIGHT--English, Scottish, and American Ballads
CD of the Year AUDIOPHILE AUDITION
(10/10) David Vernier , CLASSICSTODAY.COM
And
O felice morire--Italian music from the early Baroque
2008 German critics prize
His solo CD, Orpheus, I am, was received to critical acclaim in the US and Europe:
Fanfare:
Joel Frederiksen must be one of the few contemporary singers able to accompany himself on the lute, as surely Renaissance musicians did. In his pleasingly resonant voice, and with his considerable taste, Frederiksen sings
songs from three nations.
American Record Guide:
The lute and viol playing is certainly top notch on this recording of English, French, and Italian music of the 17th century. But the real attraction on this recording is the singing. Joel Frederiksen has a lovely bass voice...I would buy a disc just for any number sung by Joel Frederiksen, whose magnificent bass is by now well known
in the early music world.
Concerto, Germany:
So wins 'Orpheus, I am' already through timbre-painting a special attraction. Joel Frederiksen “paints“, but not only that, he is also convincing stylistically.
Early Music America:
Frederiksen‘s vocal nuances are splendid. Orpheus, I am is well worth the hour of listening it provides. Frederiksen, with his powerful bass voice, makes a worthy Orpheus.
Ensemble Phoenix was formed in 2003 for the recording of “Orpheus, I am”, a CD of Renaissance and early Baroque music from England, Italy and France. Established by Joel Frederiksen after moving to Munich, Germany, the ensemble is heir to his previous group, L’antica musica New York (1989-2001). Ensemble Phoenix has a Munich concert series and performs internationally presenting a wide range of programs from the European Renaissance and Baroque (c1500-1650) and from Early America (c1800-1900). The ensemble is also active in the commissioning of new works.
The interest of artistic director Joel Frederiksen lies in innovative and original programming based on careful research. The ensemble regularly performs from original facsimiles, and uses historical instruments and tunings appropriate to country and time period. For its association with creativity, regeneration and fire, the Phoenix was chosen as the symbol for this ensemble.
Classical: Early Music
New Trinity Baroque, The Oxford Chorale, dir. Predrag Gosta
Carissimi: Jonas & Jephte
Classical: Early Music