Search - Georg Philipp Telemann, Musica Alta Ripa :: Telemann: Overtures, Sonatas, Concertos

1st rate Telemann, excellent, warm sound

E. Weed | Houston, TX | 02/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is a fair criticism of some period instrument recordings that the strings sound "edgy" or overly bright. Much as I enjoy Musica Antiqua Koln, for example, I don't think their sound, as represented by their recordings, is as flattering, or pleasant, as they sound live. It is indeed bright, and on the wrong hi-fi, edgy and wearing.



The German label MDG has been getting good press for their recording quality, and this recording is a great example of why that is so. It is one of the warmest and richest recordings of a period instrument group that I have heard. Happily, that group, Musica Alta Ripa, is first rate. It is a small ensemble--there are 11 players on this record, including a wonderful bassoon "guest" artist, and they utilize not only a harpsichord, but a theorbo or baroque guitar in the continuo part.



And how can you go wrong with Telemann? Most of this disc consists of music for strings (pleasantly interrupted by a concerto for recorder, bassoon and strings). It is as good a cross-section of Telemann's work as this listener has encountered, with the possible exception of the best of Telemann's Tafelmusic.



Strongly recommended, especially for listeners who have been disappointed by period performances in the past."