Brisk Recorder Quartet Amsterdam
BRISK, the ensemble’s name, is intended to convey an idea of liveliness and wakefulness. A critic once described the ensemble as providing “a coup de grâce for the recorder’s respectable image”. BRISK’s concerts exhibit variation of style and mood, virtuosity and light-heartedness in equal measure. The quartet always appear on stage with an enormous assembly of recorders. Since their founding in 1986, BRISK has given many concerts in important concert halls and festivals throughout Europe, in Bolivia, Canada and the USA. BRISK has recorded for radio and television both in the Netherlands and abroad, as well as recording over ten CDs that have been well received by both press and public.
Its daring programming of early music in combination with contemporary music is designed to expand the borders of the ensemble’s repertoire. Many composers have dedicated works to the quartet. BRISK works regularly with fellow musicians as well as with artists from other related disciplines such as actors, directors, librettists and film-makers.
“Enticing, technical excellence and innovative programming” American Record Guide
“Il est étonnant le vent qui nous vient des Pays-Bas, empreint de couleurs, d’artifices et d’énergie” Classique news
“Auf acht Füssen kommt sie nun daher, die Orgel, die BRISK heisst. Ein Quartett, das vor allem durch seine Ruhe und Klangschönheit besticht, aber auch die Virtuosität kommt nicht zu kurz” Windkanal
“The highest level of perfection, but above the pleasure of making music. There was a sense of mutual congeniality in which the music was transported to higher spheres” De Stentor