For most modern listeners
the music of Telemann inevitably takes
a back seat to the popularity of his
contemporary J.S. Bach. It is easy to
forget that it was Telemann who was
the most feted German composer of their
day. Bach was respected but not revered.
Both composers have
in common their prolific production
in terms of music produced. We are told
that the Telemann Werkverzeichnis
(TWV), which is Telemann’s
complete catalogue of works, contains
3,600 entries of preserved works. This
Apex recording of previously released
music comprises four quartets out of
465 listed chamber works,]. There are
over sixty quartets.
The ensemble Hortus
Musicus use a combination of violin,
flute, viola da gamba, cello and harpsichord.
As the string quartet was not a firmly
established genre in Telemann’s time
different combinations of instruments
were used. Even so the quartet that
Telemann was familiar with consisted
of three instruments and a basso
continuo
Included on this release
are two pleasing quartets from the collection
entitled Nouveaux Quatuors en six
Suites published in Paris in 1738.
These six movement quartets are scored
for flute, violin, viola da gamba or
cello and continuo. The gratifying
quartet in four movements scored for
flute, violin, cello and continuo
is taken from Telemann’s famous collection
Musique de table (Tafelmusik). The
final work on this release is the attractive
quartet in four movements for flute,
violin and continuo which is
taken from the collection Six Concerts
et six Suites.
Using period instruments
the ensemble Hortus Musicus under the
artistic direction of violinist Andres
Mustonen were new names to me. But what
a marvellously talented group of players
they prove to be, showing a clear affinity
for these works. There’s no uncomfortable
scratching and scraping away at the
same unvarying dynamic level. Hortus
Musicus display a really fine tone with
polished and refreshing interpretations
and a sure-footed technical security.
No instrument is allowed to dominate
and a really fine balance is achieved
allowing a ravishing and appropriately
understated performance.
The engineers from
Finlandia Records who originally produced
this release in 1992 have excelled with
a clear and bright sound quality. On
the downside just over fifty minutes
of music on a CD is disgraceful by today’s
standards. By way of comparison I now
have several eighty minute CDs in my
collection.
Telemann lovers are
being offered a real bargain here. I
have no hesitation in recommending this
release especially at super budget price.
Michael Cookson