Of the relatively small amount of Telemann’s music which is preserved in his own hand, which includes only eighteen scores of his instrumental music, this CD includes music recorded from these autograph scores. The last piece on this disc, the Divertimento TWV 50:21, is a premiere recording.
The CD opens with the ‘Overture-Suite in F major’ (TWV 55: F16) scored for two horns, bassoon, strings and continuo. The uplifting and energetic character of the violins produce a stark contrast to the heavy and regal sound of the hunting horns in the opening call and response motif of the movement. Then enter the nimble yet strong, and excellent, continuo playing of Collegium Musicum 90. Following on, the dance movements (minuets and bourrees) are performed with elegance and style. Particularly beautiful are the delicately bowed violins which are accompanied by pizzicato in the lower strings for the Loure II.
The highly musical and sensitive playing of Collegium Musicum 90 continues throughout this CD. Simon Standage leads this versatile chamber ensemble which impressively reflects the many characters present in the multifaceted compositions of Telemann.
