The Jordan Times (5^th February 2006)

Italian composer Antonio Caldara may not enjoy the almost universal popularity of Mozart, but his works — dating back to the early baroque period — are some of the most refined in classical music.
Born in Venice, Italy, in 1670, Caldara has written superb pieces for the dulcimer, also referred to as the pantaleon after the German musician Pantaleon Hebenstreit who constructed a dulcimer some nine-feet long with over 200 strings, and two soundboards.
Ramée Records have just released a magnificent CD titled « Antonio Caldara - Cantate, Sonate ed Arie ». It features superb compositions by the master that are interpreted with what one may call « heavenly perfection ». The instruments played by the ensemble are the pantaleon, the violoncello, the theorbo which is a long-necked lute from the late 16th century, the harp, the organ and the violone (a large violin). The ensemble is conducted by Jürgen Banholzer who also sings as alto or counter-tenor.
The overall atmosphere is quiet and serene. The crystalline sound of the pantaleon is unique and blends beautifully with the grave tones of the violoncello and violone. Music from the early baroque has a particular magic — musicians from that era would take their time and never haste, therefore giving each note, each accent, each harmony its full value and meaning. This is a trait that is not often found in the music of the centuries that followed and has now virtually disappeared. This is not a CD I would play casually, not without having the time to appreciate it as one should.
The sublime voice of German counter-tenor Jürgen Banholzer brings a dream-like touch to the CD. One of the most gifted singers of his generation Banholzer is in complete mastery of his art. Margit Übellacker plays the dulcimer and Emilia Gliozzi the violoncello.
The disc includes three cantatas, excerpts (arias) from two oratorios, and one sonata and one sinfonia for cello solo.
As it is usually the case for such eclectic productions, the recording shines particularly. If played on high-end stereo systems, the CD is guaranteed to bring the listener exceptional enjoyment — this is the sound of classical music as pure as it can get. The informative, elegantly designed accompanying booklet and the inner notes are a welcome complement to the package and the text comes in English, French and German.
With its strings that are struck by mallets when played, the pantaleon qualifies as the real ancestor of the piano (or pianoforte) we know today. The harpsichord is sometimes mentioned as the early piano but its strings are plucked, not struck. What confuses people is that the harpsichord has a piano-like keyboard whereas the dulcimer doesn't.

Jean-Claude Elias