Graupner: Concerto for 2 Chalumeaux, 2 Violins. Viola and Harpsichord in C major, GWV303

The German Christoph Graupner (1683-1760) is considered to be one of the most important composers for the chalumeau, a now largely forgotten instrument related to the clarinet. This Hybrid SACD from the renowned early music group Ars Antiqua Austria includes several of Graupner’s pieces for this rarely recorded instrument.

The chalumeau was probably developed in the late 17th century by the Nuremberg instrument builder and inventor of the clarinet, Johann Christoph Denner. A forerunner of the clarinet, the two instruments existed alongside each other during the 18th century, and it was not until the late Baroque era that the clarinet became more popular and the chalumeau slowly disappeared from the musical scene.

Ars Antiqua Austria was founded in Linz in 1995 with the aim of introducing audiences to the roots of Austrian baroque music played on period instruments. The core of Ars Antiqua Austria comprises 8 musicians directed by Gunar Letzbor. The ensemble is readily augmented to accommodate a still wider repertoire. Previous recordings by Ars Antiqua Austria on Challenge Classics include discs devoted to the music of Charles Mouthon (CC72336), Karl Kohaut (CC72323), and Johann Joseph Fux (CC72381).