Barbara Kortmann
Flötistin

'...Es ist ein schieres Wunder, was die gebürtige Münchnerin aus den Werken von Vivaldi, Marais, Händel und Bach herausholt: Virtuos, erregend, wie Silberpfeile in flirrender Luft kommen ihre Triller und Läufe. Agile Begleitungen, auch bei Vivaldi klein besetzt. Virtuos, herrlich unterhaltsam und, ja: beglückend!'

(Wiener Zeitung, Edwin Baumgartner, 15.02.2017)

(...) "Auch Barbara Kortmann, (...) , tat sich für das vorliegende Barockprogramm mit versierten Originalklangspezialisten zusammen, lässt den Soloparts jedoch mit ihrer modernen Böhmflöte tonlich wunderschöne und musikalisch höchst sensible Interpretationen angedeihen. Im kammermusikalischen Spannungsfeld zwischen solistischem Wohlklang und den rhythmisch ungemein flexibel agierenden Begleitmusikern machen sogar Vivaldi-Dauerhits wieder Spaß"
(FONO FORUM, Mai 2017)

"Diese Stücke hört man immer wieder gerne...Insbesondere, wenn man über einen so exquisiten Ton wie Barbara Kortmann verfügt, der in allen Registern voll und klar klingt, und den sie noch dazu - der Musik angemessen - mit nur sehr dosiert eingesetztem Vibrato spielt.

Kein Wunder, dass James Galway Barbara Kortmanns 'makellose Technik und ihren expressiven Klang' lobt.

Ein gelungenes und beeindruckendes Debüt."

(Hessischer Rundfunk, Martin Grunenberg, 24.01.2017)

In the program notes of this lovely, well-conceived recording of Baroque music, Barbara Kortmann explains that each of these pieces have had special meaning in her journey as a student and later as a professional performer, and the care and feeling with which she presents them illustrates the truth of her assertion. Throughout the recording, she expertly balances a modern aesthetic of flute playing with an educated sense of performance practice.

Her tone is rich, clear and flexible, and her clear articulation and excellent technique bring excitement to her music.

The CD contains two of Vivaldi's concerti for flute and strings.

In the first selection, 'Il Cardellino', Kortmann executes the brilliant opening phrase with a lithe and playful spirit that expertly sets the tone for the rest of the work. In the slow movement, her phrasing and control expose the sweetness of the writing. Likewise, her performance  of 'La Notte' provides a fitting framework  for her expressive sense of phrase and her creative ornamentation.

Also included is Marin Marais 'Les Folies d'Espagna', here played with harpsichordist Sabine Erdmann. The selction of variations is excellent, creating a narrative arc of motion through the familiar work. Kortmann's performance is very exciting; again, the balance of speed possible on a modern flute plus the attention to long lines allows for wonderfully energetic tempi. (...)

While each selection is performed well, with grace and attention on style and detail, perhaps the best tracks are the three devoted to J.Seb. Bach's Trio Sonata from 'The Musical Offering', performed with violinist Hellen Weiss. This extremly intricate and complicated work is performed with elegance, thoughtfulness, and affection, and the overall effect is exquisite. The blend between the flute an violin sounds effortless, and all performers capture the necessary dichotomy of simple melodies and rhythmically and harmonically complex textures.

Inner Lights is a stellar recording of much beloved, well-played music. 

Barbara Kortmann's performance is elegant, beautiful, and expressive and a joy to hear.

(Rebecca Dunnavant, NFA, Fall 2017)

Virtuosität und Kantabilität
(...) Barbara Kortmann will offenbar nicht mit purer Virtuosität glänzen, sondern sucht eben nach ‘innerem Licht’. Rasante Presto-Sätze gibt es zwar auch im Programm, aber besonders beeindrucken das mit viel Schwung vorgetragene Kantable sowie ein sehr gepflegter, wenn auch stets lebendig-wacher Klang. (...) die beiden Hits ‘Il Gardellino’ und ‘La Notte’ werden jedem Ohr viel Freude machen.

(PIZZICATO, Remy Franck, 12.03.2017)

(...)Ms. Kortman is an extraordinary player, whose fluid technique serves her musical mastery and unique, beautiful interpretations. Her performance of the Marais, Les Folies d’Espagne is full of interesting surprises that are musically insightful and sent me running to my score to think about! Each work on the album opened up new ways of thinking about the piece. Take a listen to her ideas in Bach’s Musical Offering and the two Vivaldi Concerto’s ‘Il Cardellino’ and ‘La Notte.' Every work is thought through but spontaneous in interpretation as well. Kortmann is accompanied by an expert group of strings including the excellent Hellen Weiss and Kerstin Linder-Dewan on violins and Sabine Erdmann on harpsichord. The chamber music is seamless and the pitch is perfect! (...)The recording and editing are superb with the sound of a full orchestra achieved with a small string section and perfect balance maintained throughout. I highly recommend this CD!...
(The Flute View, New York, Barbara Siesel vom 01.03.2017)