Search - Georg Philipp Telemann, Neville Marriner, Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields :: Telemann: Viola Concerto; Don Quichotte; Hamburger Ebb und Flut /ASMF * Marriner

Wonderful pieces, beautifully done, more complete renditions

Neal J. Pollock | VA USA | 12/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album contains four very fine Telemann compositions which are beautifully performed. They are more complete than some other CDs. The title "Viola Concerto" is given here in 4 movements 13:49 minutes. In "The Sensuous Baroque" (B0000058FG) only the 1st two are provided for 6:29 minutes--though the 1st movement is longer than in the "Viola Concerto" CD. Similarly in "The Best of Telemann" CD, only the 1st two movements are provided totalling 6:36 minutes. Similarly, this CD contains Overture in C major with 10 movements, suite in G major with 8, and overture in D major with 7. Total time is a pretty generous 66:28. Overall the music is very enjoyable and versatile. The accompanying brochure includes a short biography of Telemann by Nicholas Anderson. He notes that the Viola Concerto was one of the 1st to feature the viola--which Telemann gives "true solo status." I found the CD mostly joyful & uplifting, making it one of my favorites. The pieces display great instrumentation & orchestration with a variety of instruments--flutes, recorders, oboes, strings, continuo, etc. Enjoy!"

Nice Telemann Collection

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 07/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This collection of Telemann Concertos and Overtures is an excellent purchase for someone who loves baroque music and is interested in discovering this composer. Conductor Neville Marriner and the Academy of St. Martin-in-the-Fields turn in first rate performances of these compositions. More serious collectors will be a bit annoyed at this title though. These four offerings are obviously from a variety of sessions, so why doesn't London/Decca reissue more of this material as "Double Decker" CDs instead of giving us bits and pieces on this "Jubilee" compilation. Reuniting the original sessions would be an altogether more welcome release than this title, which while well played, suffers from an overall lack of cohesion."

Nicely done, but...

A. Person | Oakdale, MN USA | 01/11/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a fine album, but if what you're after is the Telemann Concerto you may want to find the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra with Pinchas Zukerman. The harpsichord continuo on that recording is so great, it will spoil you for any other (even this one.)"