Composer | Georg Philipp Telemann |
Artist | Manuel Tomadin harpsichord & organ
Manuel Staropoli recorders & baroque flute Gioele Gusberti cello |
Format | 1 CD |
Cat. number | 95517 |
EAN code | 5028421955179 |
Release | September 2020 |
Telemann published the Kleine Kammermusik in 1716 in Frankfurt: his second published collection, intended for performance equally with violin or flute. His preface indicates that these pieces share a light and cantabile style particularly tailored to amateur performers on their respective instruments, with relatively narrow intervals in the solo part. Nonetheless, their unfailingly stylish melodies invite performance by professionals such as this trio of Italian musicians, experienced in period-instrument performance and with a catalogue of distinguished albums on Brilliant Classics to their credit.
The dance movements in each of the six Partitas are quintessential Telemann: brief, unaffected by false intensity even in the three minor-key works, always infused with a lively appreciation of harmony, beautifully proportioned structures and voice-leading that enables each voice of the counterpoint to be heard at any point.
Telemann himself advertised the lack of chromaticism with charming candour: ‘I also cultivated the brevity of the Arias, partly to preserve the energy of the performer and partly to avoid boring the listener's ears due to the length… Finally, I have tried to present something that could meet everyone's taste.’ In this it can be conclusively said that he succeeded.
The most recent collaboration of these fine musicians was a Brilliant Classics album of recorder sonatas by Marcello, Vivaldi and Bellinzani (96052) which attracted critical praise both for the rarity of the repertoire and the idiomatic finesse of the performances.
‘Recorder aficionados will certainly enjoy this disc. Manuel Staropoli and his colleagues deliver fine performances’ (MusicWeb International).
Their recording of Vivaldi’s trio sonatas for Baroque flute (94173) likewise ‘should appeal to both Vivaldi lovers and recorder aficionados alike. The recorder playing is as good as one could wish’ (MusicWeb International).
Telemann’s “Kleine Kammermusik” contains 6 Partitas, written for violin or flute and basso continuo. The choice of solo instrument is therefore open, Telemann (1681-1767) even gives the opportunity to play them on harpsichord alone (BC 95683).
Flutist Manuel Staropoli selected several flutes, ranging from the tenor transverse flute to the soprano recorder. The continuo of harpsichord or organ is enhanced by the rich sonority of a cello.
Although Telemann wrote these Partitas in a light and cantabile style for beginners he leaves plenty of room for the Virtuoso to add ornamentations.
In this performance the musicians offer lively and brilliant playing, their tasteful embellishments letting this charming music shine with delight.
Played on period instruments by flutist Manuel Staropoli, keyboard player Manuel Tomadin and cellist Gioele Gusberti.
Telemanns „Kleine Cammer-Music“ besteht aus sechs Partiten, die für Violine oder Flöte mit Basso continuo geschrieben wurden. Die Wahl des Soloinstruments lässt Telemann (1681-1767) also offen. Er stellt sogar die Möglichkeit anheim, die Werke auf dem Cembalo allein zu spielen (s. BC 95683). Der Flötist Manuel Staropoli wählte für diese Aufnahme mehrere Flöten als Soloinstrumente – seine Auswahl reicht von der Tenorquerflöte bis zur Sopranblockflöte. Die Basso continuo-Stimme wird vom Cembalo oder der Orgel übernommen und durch die reichhaltige Klangfülle eines Violoncellos verstärkt. Obwohl Telemann diese Partiten in einem leichten und kantablen Stil für Anfänger komponiert hat, lässt er dem Virtuosen viel Raum für Verzierungen. In dieser Aufnahme präsentieren die Musiker lebhaftes und brillantes Spiel, ihre geschmackvollen Auszierungen lassen die charmante Musik vor Vergnügen strahlen. Der Flötist Manuel Staropoli, der Tasteninstrumentalist Manuel Tomadin und der Cellist Gioele Gusberti spielen auf historischen Instrumenten.