The Lithuanian Accordion Quintet Cantus was formed in 1996, and all the five artists graduated at the Lithuanian Academy of Music (majoring in Accordion), in Vilnius (Lithuania). They all are past national accordion champions before forming the accordion quintet Cantus. The quintet has won many international awards, including: 2nd place in Italy at the 1996 Citta di Castelfidardo International Accordion Competition, 1st prize at the 1998 International Accordion festival in Innsbruck, 2nd prize at the 1999 Citta di Castelfidardo, 1st prize at the 2000 International Accordion Competition Pianello Val Tidone and 2nd prize in the International Chamber Music competition Contessa Tina Orsi Anguissola Scotti. Cantus, which actively promotes the accordion in Lithuania, has a new accordion repertoire collaborating with modern Lithuanian composers and participates at various national and international competitions, etc. I am always glad to receive recordings of accordion ensembles, as I believe there can never be too many of these. Actually, the majority of recordings sent to me are either accordion soloists, orchestras or bands, but not so many ensembles. Personally, I love the sound of the accordion ensemble, as they can be a powerful musical "apparatus" so to speak. With the Cantus accordion quintet CD, be ready for some fine, fine music making. For this recording they have selected a really nice variety of classical and modern compositions. "Eloquent", "rich" and "refined" - these would be the words to describe Cantus in short. The Accordion quintet Cantus is a highly professional accordion ensemble. A high degree of performing culture is a distinguishing feature of this ensemble. Their tonal control, refined sensitivity and deep understanding of the music they perform are all qualities ensuring exquisite musical experience with the accordion quintet Cantus. Do hear them! |
