With some recordings, there is a risk of fatigue – a collection of works by the same composer, or for the same instrumentation, too similar in taste and sound. This is not the case with the latest release from the effervescent Fantasticus XL. This is not a vanilla performance by any means as this singular ensemble attacks a selection of baroque concerti with contagious energy.

Johann Gottlieb Graun’s Viola da Gamba Concerto in C opens, and it sets an impressive benchmark. Soloist Robert Smith’s performance possesses the flexibility of a complex Pinot – in a matter of moments, his rich, layered tone will give way to an athletic tenor in the highest register. It’s an exposing piece, and Smith pushes and pulls the tempo to frequently unexpected delight. Jean-Marie Leclair’s Violin Concerto in G Minor is next, and Baroque violinist Rie Kimura maintains the sweetest of monologues while the ensemble brings the rumble to the sound, creating shade, by leaning in to moments of harmonic uncertainty.

A Harpsichord Concerto in F by WF Bach completes the set. As a vehicle for Guillermo Brachetta’s virtuosity, it ticks all the right boxes as he flies through the quicksilver technical passages (especially in the right hand). In their linear notes, Fantasticus describes themselves to be full of “intense expression and an affinity with bold, extravagant music”, and there is no reason to doubt their mission on hearing this CD.

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