Press

“some of the most refreshing, life-enhancing Baroque playing heard in years"
Chicago Tribune

“This survey of the development of the Italian Baroque violin sonata is richly enlivened by the very personal interpretations of the players. They have developed their own very passionate way of playing this music-stylistically aware but informed by modern technique-and it's a treat."
Early Music America

“There isn't a piece that doesn't impress [on Trio Settecento: An Italian Sojourn]."
Gramophone

“Sunday's matinee concert by Trio Settecento, the final day of Chicago's first Early Music Festival, summed up everything the festival hoped to achieve.... The French Baroque is all about dance, and the three players happily dug into its high spirits and elegant syncopations. Rhythms were endlessly infectious, whether in the stately, unhurried pace of Lully's Entrée pour Vertumne or the merry skips of the Allemande from Couperin's Troisieme Concert."
Chicago Classical Review

“A gentle, close and almost 'protective' spirit pervades and informs their sound, and sense of structure and development - where the music is leading. Then, quite remarkably and without fuss or self-consciousness, they bring the listener with them. But not as a teacher leads a pupil. Much more in the way in which music-makers of eighteenth century Germany must have ensconced themselves with their small and unpretentious (yet perhaps righteously expectant) patrons, employers, and listeners."
Classical Net

“Trio Settecento proves that this music [Trio Settecento: A German Bouquet] was indeed a conversation among friends. Rachel Barton Pine, John Mark Rozendaal and David Schrader create a musical environment that welcomes the listener to discover music from centuries ago that they can really enjoy."
Minnesota Public Radio

“The music is lovely and the playing exceptional."
Strings

“A disc [Trio Settecento: A German Bouquet] of fascinating music, played with real authority and flair... In this survey, spanning almost the whole of the German Baroque period, [Rachel Barton Pine] gives spirited and imaginative performances of continuo-accompanied sonatas... John Mark Rozendaal matches her agility in trio sonatas... while elsewhere combining with David Schrader as an ideally supportive continuo team."
BBC Music Magazine

“Wonderfully vital and buoyant performances... The exhilarating bravura of her incisive articulation and sharply pointed rhythms is matched by [Pine]'s singing line in her poised and elegant lyrical movements. Superb continuo players David Schrader and John Mark Rozendaal contribute to the real sense of ensemble teamwork."
Fanfare

“[Pine] and her colleagues play these Handel Sonatas in a manner that reflects a serious study of baroque instrument style...[Pine's] passage work is brilliant yet lyrical - much like the cascades of a coloratura - and her ornamentation is both thoughtful and virtuosic."
American Record Guide

“Splendid on all levels - lovely tone, wonderfully expressive phrasing, secure technique, and strong involvement with the music. But the most unusual aspect of [Pine]'s Handel is the convincing and imaginative way she embellishes the repeats in the music - adding runs, ornaments, and flourishes that give a different aspect to a phrase we've just recently heard..."
Classical Pulse

“Lively, poignant, and exciting by turns. The performances are festive, imaginative, intense, and simply a joy to listen to."
Classical Candor

“As well crafted as these sonatas are, it's Pine and her outstanding colleagues that make the impression, and it's obvious that these players - all respected soloists - have been together in this repertoire for a long time."
Classics Today

“The quality of the music here [Trio Settecento: A German Bouquet] is matched by the talent of the musicians. They cover the range of emotions required by each piece with incredible ease."
American Record Guide

“Trio Settecento delights from first track to last [Trio Settecento: A German Bouquet]... The virtuosity and spirit are stunning here, going from one set of interesting musical challenges to the next, and carrying us along for the ride in a spate of emotional bliss. For those who think all Baroque music sounds alike, listen carefully to this disc, as it will prove quite the eye-opener. Pine and associates have done it again, and further trips to England and France are promised. Enthusiastically recommended!"
Audiophile Audition

“A spritely partnership between violin and cello, with deft rhythmic accompaniment on harpsichord. [Pine] runs through the allegros agilely and gives careful attention to the slower movements... The music's virtuosic character is rendered with superb, resonant double and triple stopping and de-emphasized dance motion in the allegros. [Pine] lets the music's raw, improvised feeling hang out a little, giving the recording a refreshing zest."
Classical Net

“A life enhancing performance from the trio, one that relishes the versatility and vibrancy of the writing."
MusicWeb

“A beautifully-played program..."
Turok's Choice

“Rachel Barton Pine, a fine solo violinist, displays her interest in early music with her trio, Trio Settecento. While she has the presence of a modern performer, she still manages Baroque phrasing and is able to turn out an intense performance that captures the essence of the German Baroque period."
Democrat and Chronicle

“The trio delivered Couperin's 'Onzieme Concert' with practiced ease and the comforting sense of three friends gathered in a drawing room to read some of their favorite pieces."
The Republican

Trio Settecento Ezine

Press