Brilliant Classics: 93649

Telemann: 6 Paris Quartets

Telemann’s sunny character and humorous disposition shine through in his music. During his life time he was very successful, artistically and commercially. One of the highlights of his later years had been his Tafelmusik, which combines styles from several countries. So when publishing his Quartets in Paris some years later expectations were high. And Telemann’s main competitor was the composer himself. He managed to gather even more subscribers for this latest venture than previously for the Tafelmusik. And yes, the Quartets did prove more than worthy of all the preceding excitement. Telemann’s most entertaining music is performed here by Jed Wentz on the flauto traverso (transverse flute) and members of Musica ad Rhenum. They consciously deviated from the by now established tempos. Most often the music is played faster. In the booklet Jed Wentz convincingly explains the reason why.