Search - Georg Philipp Telemann, Sonnerie :: Telemann: The Six Paris Quartets

THE TEMPLATES OF TELEMANN

Melvyn M. Sobel | Freeport (Long Island), New York | 02/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Six quartets for flute and continuo were composed by Telemann [1681-1767] as early as 1730 in Germany and achieved enough success to be "pirated" and printed in 1736, without his knowledge, by the unscrupulous French publisher Le Clerk. Undaunted, the increasingly popular Telemann "refurbished" the works during a brief sojourn in Paris in 1738, re-titled them the "Nouveaux quatuors en six suites a une flute traversiere, un violon, une basse de viole ou violoncelle et basse," vastly more impressive, and proceeded to publish them himself. The impetus to improve his lot obviously forced the composer to stretch the boundaries of his creative abilities, as well. The six "Paris Quartets," as they have been nicknamed, are pinnacles not only of Telemann's oeuvre, but also of the entire Baroque chamber repertoire.



The bi-centennial anniversary in 1967 of Telemann's death, launched by record companies such as Telefunken and Nonesuch, sparked an incredibly overdue renaissance of the composer's neglected output. Music heretofore unheard came before an omnivorous classical public, of which I was one. And such music! Grand productions (Tafelmusik, Water Music, Overtures), glorious concertos for almost every instrumental combination, and a vast assortment of chamber works, most notably the "Paris Quartets."



I would expect that the Quattro Amsterdam two-LP version of these works (with Bruggen, Schroder, Bylsma and Leonhardt) was the introduction for the majority of us, and it was elucidating. These performances, which have since been transferred to a mid-priced "twofer" on Teldec, have remained without competition; that is, until the arrival of this beguiling new bargain set with Hazelzet, Huggett and the ensemble Sonnerie. Did I say, "bargain"? With playing as attuned, charming and intimate as this, and with music as attractive, melodious and seductive, this set is a bonafide steal.



There is no easier, nor alluring way to come to know Telemann's chamber works, than through his endearing, perky, warm and memorable "Paris Quartets." I envy all his or her first hearing.



[Running time--- CD 1: 60:40 CD 2: 57:42]"

Agreeable Baroque listening

klavierspiel | TX, USA | 12/01/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"During their respective lifetimes Georg Philipp Telemann and Johann Sebastian Bach were at one point considered for the same musical post. Those in charge selected Telemann, which does not speak well for the concept of search committees in general. However, it is easy to hear from this CD, which presents some of the former's most successful (during his lifetime) chamber works, the so-called "Paris" Quartets, why contemporary musicians might have preferred Telemann's music. These works, for combined solo string and wind instruments and continuo, are in several movements, always carefully crafted, melodious, and utterly easy on the ear. The variations that conclude the A minor quartet are a good representation of Telemann's elegant style. All of the suites are superbly played here by a group of musicians that includes the estimable Baroque violinist Monica Huggett.Those prepared to make finer distinctions among the wealth of eighteenth-century music may find a double CDs worth of Telemann a wee bit soporific, lacking the bracing vigor and drive of the best of Handel or the chromatic passion and superb intellect of Bach. Nevertheless, for those in search of the best possible performances of these agreeable pieces, they've come to the right place."

Beautiful music at a bargain price

J. Chen | West Lafayette, IN USA | 11/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This 2-CD set is wonderful. I was not familiar with Telemann's music before I bought this set, but soon fell in love with his music afterwards. The music is light, soothing, and addictive. I frequently find myself whistling the tunes from quartet no.5 at work. The music on these CD's are typical of Telemann's later compositions. These compositioins are good example of the transition from late Baroque to early Classical. Oh yeah, the orchestration is also excellent. You can hear and distinguish every instrument. Well, I may not be a good writer, but I know good music when I hear it, and this is certainly one such good music!"