Search - Johann Friedrich Fasch, Il Fondamento :: Johann Friedrich Fasch: Ouvertures in G minor, D minor and G major

Rich Baroque

J. TIMMERMAN | Lawson, NSW Australia | 06/15/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Following a series of very polished recordings for Vanguard Classics, including Handel's and Telemann's Water Music and overtures by Fux, Dutch oboist Paul Dombrecht's band Il Fondamento have now recorded a delicious album of three overtures by Johann Friedrich Fasch (1688-1758) for the Fuga Libera label. And a fine label it is too - this is a magnificent, vivid recording which captures every detail of the scoring for 2 or 3 oboes, bassoon, strings and continuo, striking a nice balance between the soloists and the rest of the ensemble.



Although falling into obscurity after his death in an era dominated by Bach, Handel and Telemann, Fasch did have a flourishing and celebrated career as a musician and composer. In Leipzig he met and was taught by Telemann, and he later studied with Graupner. He was in great demand in various courts in Germany, composing operas and instrumental music. In his many overtures Fasch roughly follows a format employed by Telemann, and overall the results are on face value not unlike that of his better-known contemporary. Yet although influenced like his contemporaries Telemann, Graupner, Fux and Heinichen by the French and the Italians, Fasch developed his own style. Melodic invention is pretty adventurous and some unusual rhythmic structure is also evident. Telemann may have been a little more charming, but there's no doubting the quality of this composer's work. It is perhaps a little more forward looking too than those of his contemporaries, creating a link between the late baroque and early classical styles.



The soloists make stylish contributions with delectable and cohesive playing, while the ensemble playing is lively and clean. This is an album of great distinction, highly recommended."