Search - Georg Philipp Telemann, Musica Antiqua Koln, Reinhard Goebel :: Telemann: Wassermusik (Water Music); 3 Concertos /Musica Antiqua Koln * Goebel

A lesser known great

Jonathan J. Casey | the twin cities | 11/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Telemann's Wassermusik (composed in 1723) is a highly enjoyable baroque masterpiece. The Harlequinade (track 6) is especially great, featuring a chorus of cellos over rollicking pizzicato violins. The Sarabande (track 2) is a sweet, beatuiful interlude after the bombastic overture. The exact meaning of the subtitles are unknown, but each movement carries a distinct flavor- and it is this abstract quality of instrumental music that Telemann so completely masters. Goebel and the Musica Antiqua Koln bring so much to this music in skill, energy, feeling, and texture. The three recorder concertos show off the immense talents of the wind players, which is already apparent in the Water Music. Don't get me wrong- I'm not smashing recorders in the street- but I'm sure I'm not alone in my prejudice against this instrument (why are there so many Marion Verbruggen albums flooding the market?). These are fine works nonetheless, and for those of you who DO favor the instrument you'll enjoy this recording all the more. In any event, I've been finding a lot of surprises in Telemann's ouvre. It's no wonder he was so well regarded in his time. If you're having difficulty sifting through the scads of works by this composer, please give this CD a try. It is a perfect recording of a deeply pleasing work."