Reviews:

"...we were treated to a concert, that was sharpely focused, thanks to a brilliantly playing flautist. She was precise in her phrasing, full of energy and quickly left the somewhat forced yet witheld, that was felt in the beginning... In the Duos interpretation of Joachim Andersens Polskalieder the technicality went hand in hand with the expressive musicality, in Carl Nielsens 5 Pieces opus 3, the charming simplicity went hand in hand with the built in virtuosity. The high point of the concert was without doubt Bo Gunges John Cage inspired work Pulse Fiction (!). The Melody, or rather the rhythm, is shared by the two soloists and switches between a fast-slow section. It was bright, perhaps the most nordic - and seductively played - in tonights programme. Fantasy and dynamics had the power in a virtuosicly presented piece, where the instruments were in constant dialog.

Pol, Bornholms Tidende (DK), 21/7 2004

In "Of life and death" by Atso Almila there are suddenly coming new effects from the two instruments, that can otherwise be almost too nice together. A wonderful piece that deserves more recognition. After the interval we get another premier: "Sommerfulge" by Michael Bøsdorf. Also an exciting work, that demands and rewards active listening. Here, and in the last work "Histoire du tango" by Piazolla, the guitar is leaving its role as accompanist from the first half (of the concert, red.), so the duo finishes the concert as two equal instruments in dazzling interplay.

Anne Marie Storm, www.vejleklassisk.dk, june 2004

At the Guildhall we were beguiled by the flute and guitar of the highly talented Duo Takemitsu. Their programme of sonatas and fantasias by Handel, Loeillet, Marias, Vinci, Dowland and Bach was exquisitely performed and proved so popular that they were invited back to give another concert the following lunchtime.

Neil Crutchley, The Leicester Mercury, 29/5 2003

“The second premiere – “Omveje” – by the young Danish composer Peter Bruun was another strong moment in the concert. With duets of ethnologic inspiration, sound effects and zestful dance steps, the works reaches a sort of zen-buddhistic rest in the final movement. Here Marianne Leth demonstrated her special talent for the round and full sound of the alto-flute that obviously suits her personality. The intimate ensemble playing in Duo Takemitsu, with the guitarist Anders Borbye, clearly bore testament to their long time collaboration since 1993. They know each other and communicate effortlessly with small winks that give their performance life and a special soft yet precise quality. The Duo took its name from the Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu, who shortly before his death in 1996 composed the music for the film The Rising Sun. Like in the music for that film, the Japanese master created, by small means, in the piece “Toward the Sea”, a dense and picturesque atmosphere that Duo Takemitsu conveyed with great sensitivity”.

(Uffe Munksgaard, Viborg Avis 22/9 1999)

“In Duo Takemitsus premiere of Peter Bruuns piece “Omveje” one experienced, both in the work itself and the interpretation, four small and very condensed movements, that will be interesting to hear on the coming debut CD from the Duo…. Alas, debut concerts are not what they used to be, the perspectives has grown and widened”.

(John Christiansen, Jyllandsposten 4/10 1999).

“The first (premiere) was the composer Peter Bruuns work entitled “Omveje”, which is in four movements in different tempos and character, each created as a tonal, melodic and rhythmical circling around itself. Here Marianne Leth was competently accompanied by the guitarist Anders Borbye. Peter Bruun did indeed dedicate the piece to the two musicians, who in October records it for their debut CD…. After the interval Marianne Leth performed with the guitarist Anders Borbye the Japanese composer Toru Takemitsus work “Toward The Sea”, which he wrote in 1980 for the Greenpeace “save the whale” campaign. And they had a fine sense for collectively conveying the composers unique sound painting”.

(Vibeke Kruse, Vejle Amts Folkeblad 2/10 1999).

"The tone of Marianne Leth is full bodied and beautiful and her phrasing convincing, and Borbye... follows her closely as ensemble player and accompanist... An intense and inspiring listening experience".

(Erling Dissing, Flensborg Avis 1998).

“Excellent ensemble playing, chamber music with a wonderful poetic quality”

(Jury at Concours International de Musique de Chambre de Paris, November 1998, after awarding the Duo the 2nd Prize)

"Excellent ensemble playing and exquisite timbres "

(Jury at AUT competition for the interpretation of new music, after awarding the duo 2nd prize, november 1996)

About the CD Toward the Sea:

This mixed programme of works for flute and guitar is balanced, beautifully played, clearly recorded, presents some interesting new works, and - there's no but! All is done smoothly with taste and is safely recommended."

(Stephen Kenyon, Classical Guitar (UK) 01-2001)

“To sum up, the Duo Takemitsu is a nice musical experience, who I think is showing its best in……Takemitsu!”

(Bo Strömberg, Gitarr och Luta (S) no. 4-2000)

"This is playing at a very high level, not least in the interpretation of the music that is exceptionally gripping – secure ensemble, virtuosic and heartfelt”.