Praise for Thomas Georgi and the amazing Viola d'amore

On Stockholm Sonatas vol. 1

"This is a most enjoyable disc from a skilful performer who seems to revel in the rarity of his instrument and its repertoire, ably supported by some excellent continuo playing that manages to be characterful yet unobtrusive, and imaginatively prominent in all the right places. Originally a violinist, American viola d'amore player Thomas Georgi takes the opportunity to present a rewarding portrait of the instrument both in the performances, for which he uses no fewer than three instruments with clearly distinct configurations, and in the uncommonly informative liner notes. Georgi is fluent and accurate, allowing him to indulge in quite complex divisions which are conceived with a genuine appreciation of the style and tone of the music, and executed with flair. The elaborations of the numerous petite reprises are particularly attractive."

Alan Howard, 18th Century Music, 4/1 March 07

On Stockholm Vol. 2

"I really enjoy your CD. Beautiful music, unknown for me, beautiful played. It is a pure pleasure to listen to. It makes me also wonder why some composers are so well known, others almost forgotten... It is not quality of their music... What is it then? Sometimes maybe less popular instrument, for which music was written... Sometimes maybe - the country, in which composer was born... I may be wrong - but I can't stop thinking that Jarzebski and Mielczewski would be more known if they were English, French or Italian..."

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On Stockholm vol. 1

"...Ariosti's apparently inexhaustible flow of invention, and the wealth of his talent, ... make the programme a delight to listen to from beginning to end. Georgi's extremely informative notes in the accompanying booklet are as excellent as his playing."

Early Music, Aug. 07

On Stockholm Sonatas vol. 1

"This is a recording, which I have thoroughly enjoyed. Georgi plays with a delicacy and sensitivity which does not get in the way of the music and Ariosti's voice comes through clearly. I am very impressed by the variety of sound Georgi is able to get from the three instruments and how beautifully in tune his playing is."

Leon King, Early Music Review, 12/06

On Stockholm vol. 1

From Wholenote:

These performances offer delicate shading and subtlety as a reward for the careful listener. Because of this, the repetitions of rhythmic patterns and melodic motifs always remain fresh and spontaneous...the toe-tapping rhythm of the many dance movements seem to make the tracks fly by."

Frank Nakashima, 10/06

On Stockholm Vol. 2

"Althought Ariosti was an Italian, I don't feel his musics have the kind of Italy style like his contemporaries for example Geminiani, Veracini, Locatelli or Biber, his music is the kind of most simple and straight to the heart of listeners, is the ordinary type rather than theatrical style." from Hong Kong *sic

Personal email, June 07

On Stockholm Sonatas vol. 1

"These are beautifully balanced performances of rarely heard works."

John Teraud, The Star, May 17, 07

"When the music it began, I was been attracting to love it gradually, whatever its recording, and its sound, all are impressive and sentimental. I like it and listen again and again.

Customer review from Taipei, found on Amazon.

From Wholenote.com

On Stockholm Sonatas vol. 2

"What a wonderfully resonant sound these musicians achieve! None of these sonatas is more than 10 minutes long, and each individual movement is a miniature gem- serious adagios, sprightly gavottes and graceful correntes, all interpreted with the grace and sensitivity of a Watteau landscape. In all, this is most satisfying disc." Richard Haskell

On Stockholm Vol. 2

"Georgi produces a brilliant yet sweet sound and brings out the characteristic resonance of the viola d'amore, emphasizing its special qualities and unique sound. His playing is full of spirit and the ornamentation supports the music's flow and never becomes an end in itself. The lively ornamentation of the faster movements helps drive the music forward whilst intensifying Ariosti's interesting use of cadences and musical silences in the slow movements."

Daniela Braun, Early Music Review, 7/07

"über die Begeisterung für die Viola d'amore angeht, steht der Solist Thomas Georgi seinem Vorbild Ariosti offenkundig in nichts nach...Aber auch in der technischen Ausfuehrung befindet er sich mit dem Meister auf Augenhöhe."

Sven Kerkhoff, Musikansich.de, 1/07

From Sweden

On Stockholm Sonatas vol. 1

"Thomas Georgi heter viola d'amorespelaren, och resultatet är kellyckat."

Kaj Englehart, June 07

From Spain

Sensualidad sonora

"Las Sonatas de Ariosti son obras inscritas de lleno en la estética barroca y cuaradas de bellas y elegantes melodies."

Mariano Acera Ruilópez

12/06