Search - Georg Philipp Telemann, Andrew Manze, Caroline Balding :: Telemann: 12 Fantasias

MAGICAL, MYSTICAL, TERRIFIC TELEMANN!

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 09/26/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Telemann's Twelve Fantasias extend far beyond the sound worlds of either Bach or Biber in both depth of emotion and an obvious vulnerability. There is little rhetoric here, only a passionate musical intensity that seems to well up from the composer's very soul. Manze, performing on a Gagliano (1783), continually hypnotizes, his violin captured beautifully in an immensely flattering acoustic, never acerbic, but resonating with a tone much richer and darker-hued and "vocal" than is common with period instruments. The Fantasias, themselves, are marvelous, phantasmagorical "inventions" of infinite wonder and design, yet retain a staggering ability to appear completely improvisational. That Manze is committed to these incredible pieces is unquestionable. His playing is simply stunning, without drawing attention to his own phenomenal virtuosity or the extreme difficulties inherent in each Fantasia. The "Gulliver Suite" for two violins (with Caroline Balding playing a 1783 Amati/Cremona), derived, obviously, from Swift's book, is, at just over seven minutes, a pleasant diversion that brings upbeat closure to the CD.



[Running time: 78:18]"

A Catalog of Riches

blankwal | Beverly Hills, CA United States | 11/07/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Telemann's 12 Fantasias for solo violin (1735) are intriguingly elusive. Their brief movements offer a whirlwind tour of European manners and styles. The player's resources are laid bare -- no overarching formal design (this isn't Bach), and few openings for virtuosic display.Andrew Manze is a star of the period-instrument set. Lightning reflexes (and wits) and improvisatory flair are his strengths -- precisely what this music demands. His playing is a catalog of riches. Compare two concluding allegros -- No. 4, with its bustling near-orchestral accompaniment sharply set against the melody, and No. 11, all fantastic lightness. Or the Italianate curves of No. 6's graceful Siciliana. Caroline Balding seconds Manze impeccably in the encore, a playful suite inspired by "Gulliver's Travels."The sound is typical of Harmonia Mundi's best -- a close, unimpeded perspective, as mellow as it is brilliant."

The best CD I ever bought.

Frank Paris | 09/19/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought the Fantasias for Solo Violin from three different interprets. The other two were Sarnau and Dubeau. The main difference is IMHO that Manze read the title: he really plays fantasies. I can only recommend this CD. My advice for violinists: get all the three editions and compare it yourself."