Telemann Cantatas: Easter, Ascension & Pentecost

The musicians, soloists, choir and conductor featured here have all been involved with the music of Telemann for many years. They have several critically acclaimed recordings in the Hänssler catalogue. Here they perform three festive works. The music is easy-going and tuneful with moments of virtuosity and characteristic tone painting.

Telemann had the great misfortune of being born into an age of geniuses, sharing the spotlight with Bach, Handel, Scarlatti and Vivaldi. In any other generation, his originality, consistent high-quality and prolific output would place him among the greatest musicians of all times. Indeed even today, no complete published edition of Telemann's works exists. Throughout his long and productive life, Telemann drew upon every musical influence at his disposal - North German counterpoint, the easy lyricism of the Italians, the elegant dance forms of the French royal court and even the folk songs of the Gypsies and Slavic peoples. In this way, Telemann may be compared to Haydn - who similarly produced a steady stream of masterworks in every form, drawing upon the widest possible range of musical influences and transformed them into utterly original, and often visionary compositions.

To date, more than 1750 Telemann cantatas have been catalogued - with new discoveries still occurring almost every year! These works range from intimate compositions for a single voice and continuo, to massive works for double choir and large orchestras. The current release from Telemann scholar Ulrich Stötzel features the World Premiere recordings of three of Telemann's choral cantatas.