Telemann: Fantasias (12) for solo flute, TWV 40:2-13

‘Holliger gives persuasive performances of each of the Fantasies. His technique is flawless and his phrasing and intonation irreproachable’. Gramophone

This recording is the solo debut disc from Elizabeth Walker for Quartz, having previously recorded nine CDs with the New London Consort for Decca.

Elizabeth has played as a freelance flautist both on period and modern instruments, most notably with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the City of London Sinfonia.

There are virtually no other works written for solo unaccompanied flute “senza basso” that one can compare to the Fantasias. The unaccompanied Fantasias by Telemann stand as masterpieces of baroque invention, showing a variety of styles and influences in ever changing moods and tempos.

Elizabeth performs the Fantasias on a wooden flute.

Erik Bosgraaf (born in 1980) is generally considered to be one of the most gifted and versatile recorder players of a new generation, who has already recorded for Brilliant Classics in the form of an acclaimed set of the music by Jacob van Eyck. Here he pairs the two summits of the solo flute repertoire of the German Barock in a generous coupling that is natural but unique on record. In such monophonic works as these, for all the hidden delight of their implied harmonies, it is inevitably melodic invention that draws the ear, and Telemann’s fertility in this area is legendary. He himself remarked that ‘He who plays instruments must be able to sing’ and would likely have been sceptical of Bach’s more advanced contrapuntal excursions. His 12 fantasias are all sets of short movements: as he recognised, an ideal genre for his peculiar genius and one that allowed him to assimilate all the musical tastes and fashions of the day, from Poland to France.