Customer Reviews

Telemann: Flötenquartette (flute quartets)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

If there is a group of specialists on early chamber music
that is then with no doubt Reinhard Goebel and his
Musica Antiqua Koln. Herr Goebel is an authority on
early chamber music performance, this is his 8th recording of music of Georg Philipp Telemann(1681-1767) Herr Goebel
has been devoting recordings of the works since 1979; thus making Telemann a favorite composer of this early music group.
Herr Goebel and his musicians are well at home with this repertoire. The works in this recording are of the Flotenquartette (Flute Quartets) by Telemann. The Flutes used here are two very popular during the baroque periods the "transverse" or "German" Flute and the "French Flute" or Recorder. This recording is truly a great recording, and the sound is so clear that it sounds like you're there with them in the recording studio...Great historic music at a very competitive price....Goebel, Telemann and Musica Antiqua, the million dollar team of early music......

Here is a case of expectations richly rewarded. Telemann's flute quartets are vibrant and tuneful, at times making great demands on the soloists. The Musica Antiqua Koln are in all ways up to the challenge, delivering a musical bouquet that is at various turns elegant, soothing, and exciting.

Baroque music -- "exciting"? Yes, quite! As an example, have a listen to the final movement of the A minor quartet (track 18). The runs and bouncing tunes jumping from oboe to recorder to violin should have you smiling by the halfway point. Which is not to say that this music is all about Allegro and Vivace -- there are Adagio and Largo movements as well, which the soloists similarly relish by settling comfortably into their serenity and repose. This is music that is surely as rewarding for the players as it is for the listener.

There is a variety of color in the selections and sequencing that keeps the ear from tiring, and recorded sound quality is first-rate. The sonority of the authentic instruments is not in any way distracting, in fact the tone and expression are easily on a level with any modern-instrument ensemble.

If you are a fan of effervescent baroque then you will certainly want this in your collection.

I quickly became a fan of Reinhard Goebel and his Musica Antique Koln emsemble when I purchased the Sinfonia Spirituosa String Concertos and have been itching to obtain another equally exciting, exhilerating and gorgeous piece of work ever since. This latest recording fits the bill perfectly. (Well, actually, it far surpasses the spirituosa string concerto disk -and that's no easy feat.) NOBODY plays Telemann like this group. I would rate this recording 10 stars if I could.

Telemann can be a hit or miss composer, but this collection is a bullseye. My guess is that these pieces come from the earlier part of Telemann's career, when he was still under the sway of the high baroque and at his best.

The music is some of the best that I have heard from Telemann. They are lively, disciplined, vivacious, and, in general, a tour de force of imagination and style. There are moments redolent of Bach's Brandeburgs, such as the very first Trio. It starts and is like the best baroque Perpetuum mobile, cascades of joyful sequences, imitation and counterpoint.

The second Trio in G Major begins by setting off two playfully contrasting themes. The Violin plays a rippling triadic motif that climbs upwards while the oboe and flute respond with a falling imitative triadic motif like two singers in an opera or cantata, playing the role of the concertino to the violin and continuous ripieno.

The Affetuoso of Track 11, the G Major Quartet, reminds one of Bach's sighing motifs in the Musical Offering.

The Spirituoso of the B flat Trio reminds me of Bach's second Brandenburg. It begins with a rising triadic fanfare, and played like a spirited, bursting announcement. The Cologne's playing of this piece is nothing short of perfect. Wow!

The Andante of the last Trio TW 43 G10, is a showstopper - chromatic, shifting harmonies twist and slide from the first note to the last, echoing the devotional music of sacred baroque architraves - a concentrated, disciplined tour de force that touches on the profound.

If you love the high baroque, this CD is not optional. The music is masterful.

This is one of MAKs last recordings, and it's in fine form. This deserves a (+) after the 5 stars. I often remind myself to separate the music (by Telemann) and the performance (Goebel & Co.). So what contributes to the 5 stars?

First, this is good Telemann. Some Telemann can be a little dry. The man wrote so much, and every note wasn't golden. But this is a good collection of concerti. And MAK has some of their older energy and panache.

Second, it's played so well... just tell me they aren't having fun?

Well-recommended from a Fan of Biber.

Telemann's Flute Quartets offer a broad atmosphere of content...from inspirational and uplifting to understated and relaxing. The crisp and clear renditions offered by the Musica Antiqua Köln make these performances fresh each time I listen to them.

These works sound fantastic using an Bose SoundDock digital music system for iPod (Black).

Highly recommended.