Trio Settecento

Trio Settecento are: Rachel Barton Pine: baroque violin, viola d'amore; John Mark Rozendaal: viola da gamba, baroque cello; David Schrader: harpsichord, positiv organ, fortepiano

Trio Settecento’s passionate and authoritative interpretations renew the pleasures of hearing beloved music from the Age of Enlightenment while also revealing the delights of new discoveries. Imagination, vigor, technical polish and historical insight have made the Trio’s performances appealing to audiences and critics alike. Performing on antique instruments of rare beauty and expressive power, these three virtuosi breathe life into musical masterpieces that capture the dramatic intensity of the Italians, the poetic gestures of the French school, and the profound humanism of J.S. Bach.

Trio Settecento’s ‘Grand Tour’ recordings for Cedille Records survey 17th- and 18th century chamber music of four nations (Italy, Germany, France, and England). Said Classical North Carolina, “This is the finest recorded set of historically-informed Baroque period recitals that I have ever encountered.” Wrote Gramophone of An Italian Sojourn, “There isn’t a piece that doesn’t impress.” Praised Strings magazine of A German Bouquet, “The music is lovely, and the playing exceptional.” For A French Soirée, The Strad found the Trio had “ravishing form…Magic moments abound.” Of An English Fancy, Listen magazine said there are, “eighty minutes of labyrinthine delights here in which to lose yourself.” In 2015 Cedille Records released the Trio’s complete recording of Francesco Maria Veracini’s monumental Opus 2, ‘Sonate Accademiche’.

Trio Settecento was formed after Rachel Barton Pine, John Mark Rozendaal and David Schrader came together in 1996 to record the complete violin sonatas of George Frederick Handel. Critical acclaim for that disc led to period-instrument recitals throughout the U.S., including their New York debut at the Frick Collection in 2006 and their 2007 Boston debut presented at Jordan Hall under the aegis of the Boston Early Music Festival. The Trio has appeared as a featured ensemble at the Boston Early Music Festival, the Frick Collection, the Chicago Early Music Festival, Columbia University’s Miller Theatre, Dumbarton Oaks and Houston Early Music, the Indianapolis Early Music Festival, and the Chamber Music Societies of Detroit and Buffalo.