Customer Reviews

Telemann: Hamburger Admiralitätsmusik 1723; Overture in C

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For reasons unknown, this (not-so-little) gem from CPO has thus far been ignored here, so in this case the praising is on me. Let me cut out on the background information, of which there's a good deal in the booklet, and come right to the point stating this is the most uplifting and powerfully life-affirming vocal music I've heard, baroque or otherwise. In terms of festive splendour, it even surpasses Telemann's own "Kapitänsmusiken"... Again, too, the entire oratorio is sung in German, but it's not really vital to understand that much, the gist of it all being that the city of Hamburg is celebrated as the very paradise on earth. An austere one, to be sure - anyway it's this notion his commissioners wanted Telemann to get across, and as usual, he delivers to utter satisfaction. Moods are permanently changing and range from peaceful to belligerent - there's even an aria to warn the pirates off! Incidentally, here the fairly well-known overture suite "Hamburger Ebb' und Fluth" is heard for the first time in its proper context, serving, so to speak, as an entrée to the main dish. And there's even yet another overture, introducing the first chorus, scored for timpani, three trumpets and strings, which can be considered a masterpiece in its own right. Acoustics are somewhat ambient, but because of its maritime connections, they suit the music well. Helbich, his Barockorchester Bremen, the Alsfelder Vokalensemble and all six soloists do the work full justice. - These are almost 100 minutes of pure musical joy, which will leave the listener elated - if you have only the slightest interest for this truly amazing composer, pray do yourself a favour and don't miss out. -- When my stomach was still in order, I would enjoy this twice a year on headphones, with a cooled bottle of dry white whine in easy reach. Yea, those were the days...