Telemann: Sonata TWV 41:g6 in G minor for oboe & b.c. (Tafelmusik III No. 5)

“The Orchestra of the Golden Age bring expressive warmth to this evergreen repertoire. The present disc contains the third of the three 'Productions' that make up Telemann's most comprehensive orchestral/instrumental publication.
It's the shortest of the three and so can be accommodated comfortably on a single disc. Like its predecessors, the Third consists of an orchestral Suite, Quartet, Concerto, Trio, Sonata for melody instrument with figured bass and an orchestral 'Conclusion'. Telemann had already generously provided for transverse flute, trumpet and solo violins in the previous 'Productions' while maintaining the flute profile (Quartet and Trio) in the third anthology; he gives pride of place to oboe(s) in the Suite, Sonata and Conclusion, and a pair of horns in the Concerto.
One might feel that a slightly augmented string section would have been justified for the orchestral suites and concertos. But, in this instance the players realise the innate nobility of the French overture character with a justly 'occasional' tempo. In the Concerto, which comes over well, if perhaps a shade rigidly in its rhythm, the horn players Roger Montgomery and Gavin Edwards sustain an evenly balanced and tonally secure partnership. That also goes for the lightly articulated flute partnership of Edwina Smith and Felicity Bryson in the Trio.
The lovely G minor Oboe Sonata is played with warmth and expressive intimacy by Heather Foxwell. Telemann brings all to a vigorous close with a little three-section orchestral coda, marked Furioso. This is a set which makes rather more of Telemann's inflective délicatesse than others at twice or even three times the price.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“The last volume in the Orchestra of the Golden Age's four-disc survey of works from Telemann's Musique de Table is consistently inventive and appealing.” Gramophone Magazine

“Telemann's 1733 compendium exhibits impeccable 'table manners' thanks to Concentus Musicus Wien's innate vivacity and Harnoncourt's charm offensive.” BBC Music Magazine, January 2010 ****