With over 3,000 compositions to his name (that we know about), Georg Philipp Telemann was probably the most prolific composer of the German Baroque era. His work includes more than 125 concertos, and our new classical album of the week focuses on a few of them.
The album comes from German violinist Isabelle Faust, who teams up with the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, one of the leading ensembles playing on instruments from the 18th century. It features two of Telemann’s more colorful violin concertos, one of which has the instrument imitating the croaking of frogs, plus a dance suite and some smaller works spotlighting the violin.
News with a little more humanity
WPR’s “Wisconsin Today” newsletter keeps you connected to the state you love without feeling overwhelmed. No paywall. No agenda. No corporate filter.
Telemann was also famous for his interesting combinations of instruments, and this album includes a few. Trumpeter Ute Hartwich is featured on a couple of works, including a concerto for trumpet, violin and strings. Violinist Bernhard Forck is also featured on a suite for two violins inspired by scenes from Jonathan Swift’s “Gulliver’s Travels.”
It’s available now on the harmonia mundi label.
