Ensemble Almara
Early music reinterpreted with enthusiasm & virtuosity
Almara is an early music ensemble
It was founded by Elisabeth Pawelke during her studies at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis. The ensemble's musical focus is on the secular repertoire of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance with which the musicians dealt intensively bringing it to life with great enthusiasm and virtuosity.
The musicians studied at the universities of music in Basle, The Hague and New York, and worked with renowned ensembles and orchestras for early music. 2009 saw the publication of the first CD "OutrosAmores" which has the various aspects of love and veneration in the Middle Ages for a theme, poetically reflected in the medieval compositions. In 2016 the ensemble recorded two pieces from the so-called Schedel Songbook for the Bavarian Administration of Palaces, Gardens and Lakes which since that time can be listened to in the Cadolzburg Historical Museum. The ensemble's new album "Carmina Predulcia" is dedicated to this Songbook and was released by the label Naxos on November 2020.
The Ensemble
Elisabeth Pawelke
Voice, harp
Birgit Muggenthaler-Schmack
Recorders, bagpipes
Sabine Kreutzberger
Viola da gamba, vielle
Sascha Gotowtschikow
Percussion
Christoph Eglhuber
Lutes, salterio
News
New album release on November 27th!
The new album "Carmina Predulcia" by the Ensemble Almara was released on November 27th on the label Naxos. As the first recording this CD is exclusively dedicated to the music from the 15th century Schedel songbook with unique German songs but also French chansons.
Recordings for the new CD
The Ensemble Almara is currently recording a new album with pieces from a songbook from the 15th century, some of which are first recordings. More information will be announced soon.
Album Outros Amores
The album "Outros Amores" takes you into the world of love poetry in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and interweaves its various aspects into a touching and passionate whole.
Latest reviews of the CD Carmina Predulcia
There is a nice review of our CD in Fanfare Magazine issue 45:1 (Sept/Oct 2021) by Colin Clarke saying:
"This is a superb disc chock-full of music that will surprise and delight, somewhat closely recorded, which only adds to the sense of visceral involvement. Recommended."
Also there is some feedback from Dr. Sebastian Hesse (ARD Radio and TV) about our music and especially about our new CD:
"I have listened to both CDs very, very often and I find them adorable. 'Ach scheyden bitter... ' I have listened again and again, that would be my favorite. I am also completely amazed by the sound quality of the recording."
And from Ralph Graves/ University of Virginia, WTJU 91.1FM:
"The Ensemble Almara specializes in secular music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. That makes them perfectly suited to bring this music to life. The five performers use a variety of instruments to vary the sound from track to track. The command of their respective instruments is impressive. Ensemble Almara plays with precision and elan."