Search - Georg Philipp Telemann, Collegium Musicum 90 :: Telemann: Comical Overtures

Ravishing, Inventive Telemann

Paul Harben | Sydney, NSW Australia | 11/08/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Just when you think Telemann's exhausted the overture form, another superb one pops up. The Overture Comique is new to me. It is a programmatic piece involving a man with gout, of all things. Doesn't seem humourous, more dramatic and melodically blended. The timpani and trumpets are powerfully caught in this brilliant Chaconne recording. Probably the best Telemann disc they have ever produced. The Oboe d'amore concerto is quite charming, the andante of the violin concerto with Standage as soloist is very sweet and elegant. With Collegium Musicum 90 on top form this HIP disc sets a very high standard. I'll never tire of Telemann with discs like this. A stunner in every way."

Splendid

David Saemann | 07/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Simon Standage series of Telemann recordings are an excellent evocation of why Telemann was so popular during his lifetime. His orchestral music is always sophisticated, but tuneful and moderate in its emotional scope. One of the advantages the Collegium Musicum 90 has over other ensembles in this repertoire is its beautiful string tone. So many period instrument orchestras play with a steely, unpleasant string tone. The Collegium Musicum 90 plays with as crisp an attack and ensemble as any of them, but with a burnished, woody tone that seems totally appropriate to the music. The soloists on this CD all are good. The highlight, perhaps, is Standage's solo in the violin concerto, which he plays to intricate and elegant effect. The sound engineering is excellent, too. Altogether one of the best Telemann albums I know."