CD-Productions
Music of the Hanseatic cities
Vol. 3: Music from Old Magdeburg
Catalogue number: 11895616
Date of release: 22 May 2025
Press reviews:
“Manfred Cordes and his ensembles – in this case the European Hanseatic Ensemble – are, in view of their previous recordings of music from the Reformation period, obviously guarantors for the presentation of this music […]. The rich spectrum of this recording is excellently represented by a diverse soundscape.”
(Klassik Heute, 07/2025)
“Clear vocal line, an impressive soloist‘s potential that nevertheless fits seamlessly into a complex vocal-instrumental sound pattern. […] More than just proof of the talent of the young European Hanseatic Ensemble.”
(Klassik.com, 09/2025)
“The quality and polish of what they achieve absolutely stands comparison with Cordes’s ensemble Weser-Renaissance […]. Both Cordes’s initiative and its fruits here deserve applause and an appreciative audience.”
(The Gramophone Newsletter, 09/2025)
Music of the Hanseatic cities
Vol. 2: Music from Old Gdańsk
Christoph Werner (1619 – 1650), Johann Balthasar Erben (1626 – 1686), Kaspar Förster (1616 – 1673), Nicolaus Zangius (1570 – 1619), Crato Bütner (1616 – 1679), Paul Siefert (1586 – 1666), Andreas Hakenberger (1574 – 1627), Johann Wanning (1537 – 1603), Daniel Jacobi (1605 – 1676), Marcin Mielczewski (1600 – 1651)
Label: CPO, DDD, 2023
Catalogue number: 11576886
Date of release: 21 March 2024
Press reviews:
“The performers know how to convey the splendour and fervour of these compositions to a modern age whose understanding of music is not primarily oriented towards religious influences.”
(Klassik Heute, 06/2024)
“Manfred Cordes allows the programme to flow without pressure, giving the stylistically different […] music the space it needs to unfold. […] The intonation is completely without any clouding; even in the largest instrumentation and wide range, not the slightest flaw is audible. […] High-level, profiled and with an interpretative all-round view of the compositional events there – please continue the journey!”
(Klassik.com, 07/2024)
Music of the Hanseatic cities
Vol. 1: Music from Old Stralsund
Label: CPO, DDD, 2022
Catalogue number: 11164033
Date of release: 30 May 2023
Press reviews:
“Sovereignty and fervour – only an extraordinary artistic personality like Manfred Cordes can unite these two qualities, which can rarely be mentioned in the same breath, in such a way that they create an intimate fusion that inspires a top-class group of musicians in a unique way and draws the listening audience under the spell of centuries-old sounds.”
(Klassik Heute, 07/2023)
“[…] the European Hanseatic Ensemble led by Cordes offers the highest level of support for young musicians, prepares them for life as independent artists in addition to the genuine musical work in the exchange between all participants, arranges contacts, and of course also repertoire and style studies – a real treasure, a splendid platform is offered. […] A beautiful prelude to a hopefully more extensive series […] And a musical pleasure as well.”
(Klassik.com, 09/2023)
“What Manfred Cordes and his very real ‘European Hanseatic Ensemble’ have recorded here is simply impressive – in terms of the music, but also in terms of the interpretation. It is a pure joy to listen to all the strings, cornettos and trombones – and a harmonious vocal ensemble that sounds choral despite the soloist line-up.”
(hoerbar.nmz.de, 02/2024)