Search - Telemann, Podger :: Violin Fantasies

Baroque treasure played by a rising star !!!

Scott68 | Columbus, Ohio United States | 12/12/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a true gem from the Baroque archives that is rarely played or recorded. These fantasies for solo violin were written in 1735, only 15 yrs after Bach wrote his infinitely famous Sonatas and Partidas for solo violin. Fans of Bach looking for new music will be happy playing and listening to these fresh works. I really enjoy the imagination and creativity displayed here, plenty of rhythmic diversity and unattached musical ideas to spare.Rachel Podger is a new face in the violin world who surfaced with her debut in only 1999. She plays a baroque violin with rather unique silvery tone and plays with almost no vibrato at all so baroque purists will be pleased. I have to say this CD sounded different than her Bach Sonatas CD, I preferred that tone on that CD a little more for some reason.I found Ms. Podger's playing to be deeply sensitive, full of impeccable intonation, and there was no sense of hesitation or fumbling for the notes. Like in her In Fantasia numbers one and seven she displays her very fine staccato bowing technique and ability to handle difficult technical demands. In the slow movements I could really feel an underlying sadness in her sound, like she meant every note. The booklet that comes with the CD that explains the music and Ms Podger's insight to the music is a great addition to this purchase.A lot of people into baroque violin rave about the talent of her colleague, Andrew Manze who also recorded the same works. I much prefer Ms. Podger's playing because of her sincerity and faithfulness to the score with respect to tempos and rhythm. I suspect that Ms. Podger will have a bright future as she has already received rave reviews...Rachel, if you are reading this, keep on recording more lesser known baroque compositions for us and thank you.For a more romantic interpretation, I am aware that Arthur Grumiaux recorded this but I think the recording is rare and only avaiable on vynil.4 & 1/2 Stars: BRAVO !!!"

Not Bach, but Telemann

Alexander T. Gafford | Midland, Ga United States | 09/01/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"If I had never heard the many recordings I have of the Bach solo Violin Sonotas and Partitas, this performance would be relevatory. Rachel Podger, a very accomplished Bach interpreter, pulls from these pieces all the musical content possible. Her sense of pace and completeness, neither rushing or lingering, is excellent and the tone of her violin pleasing. Any limitations are due to the difference in depth between Bach and Telemann but we shouldn't fail to honor the very good just because of the extistence of the great. Do yourself a favor and buy and listen to these pieces. As usual with solo violin work, a high quality reproduction is needed to fairly judge the playing."