Customer Reviews

The Best of Telemann

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had heard some of Telemann's work on interent classical stations and wanted to learn more. This is a great introduction to a great composer at a great price. I found the quality satisfactory and my stereo is fairly advanced. The music flows nicely, which is not always the case with "best of" compilations. This will become a core part of my classical collection.

According to Keith Anderson's CD insert (in English, French, & Spanish), "Georg Philipp Telemann [1681-1767] was among the most distinguished composers of his time." He was a friend of Bach's & was Bach's 2nd son's godfather. This CD contains many of Telemann's best & most famous works. I have other versions on CD's, esp. the Suite in A-moll (minor), Viola Concerto in G major, Trumpet Concerto in D major, & table music. For more of the latter--there's a 2 CD set "Dinner Music" B0001XBBPO Georg Philipp Telemann; Dinner Music Vol. 1 & 2 with Concertos by Johann Hummel & Franz Richter and "Musique de table" by Essential Classics/Sony. This CD is a generous 71:07 in 23 tracks/movements. It's strength is in its selection & variety. This, however, is also its weakness--many selections are pieces of pieces--not the entire composition. Thus, they appear shorter than other versions--mostly due to this excerpting. Similarly & simultaneously plus & minus, except for 2 by the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, the pieces are performed by different orchestras. Thus, I'd say this CD is a fine introduction to Telemann, but suggest further exploration to comprehend the fullness of his compositions. Still, I would give this a 5 star except for one thing. The lead-in piece, arguably Telemann's most famous, the A-moll is simply IMHO played too fast. It lacks the majesty shown in other renditions of this piece. Not a good way to start.

Also, I'd recommend: Telemann: Viola Concerto; Don Quichotte; Hamburger Ebb und Flut /ASMF * Marriner and The Sensuous Baroque

Here for baroque lovers or those interested in exploring one of its most prominent composers is a collection of some of the very best of Telemann.

What an enormous output this great German composer put out! From church music to chamber music, Telemann uses all the styles of his era, from Italian to French to German, he does them all execeptionally well with his own style of clarity and fluidity.

The Viola Concerto is absolutely gorgeous, and it's a shame that this resonant, sensuous instrument doesn't not have a wider repertoire. Kyselak is marvelous in his phrasing and expressiveness.

The Recorder Concerto by Stivin is just delightful and exemplary of the fine liltiness of baroque. The Quartet in G Major from Tafelmusik I is admirably performed by the Orchestra of the Golden Age with passion and sensitivity.

The Overture in D and C Major, Darmstadt, is just exquisite. This is exciting music with great swellings and undertonings throughout.

I thoroughly enjoy baroque and this collection with its varying instrumental groupings highlighted and the variety of styles and genres is truly stimulating and relaxing to listen to. For the price, this is just an outstanding find.

Robert King and his Consort provide a fantastic recording catalog of such for us baroque lovers.

George Philipp Telemann is a great introduction in to the world of baroque music. This album was the very first classical album that I bought (about 10 years ago) and I have found my love for baroque and classical music to increase exponentially ever since.
This album shows the true beauty of baroque by using instruments to their fullest potential. The baroque period was one of growth in knowledge of the arts and music theory played a large part in that knowledge.
Telemann, in my opinion, was one of the greatest baroque artists. I know that works such as Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" and Handel's "Messiah" were the defining works of baroque, but Telemann used the smaller and more intimate groupings like chamber music. Even his orchestations were minimalized so as to accentuate the instrument on which he chose to focus.
Telemann was a master of the baroque age, if somewhat unsung, and I would recommend any of his albums, but this one has a special place for me as it was the first classical album that I bought in a now excessively large classical library.

wasn't sure about getting this cd, but after listening to it several times it is well worth the money. you won't be disappointed if you buy this. nice music to have going in the house or in the car to mellow one out after a long day at work. still love the oldies, but i'd buy this cd again in a second.