Search - Georg Philipp Telemann, Patrick Peire, Luc Loubry :: Telemann: Complete Overtures, Vol. 2

Sterling

David Saemann | 04/14/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed the first volume in this series so much that I was delighted eventually to find the second volume. I was not disappointed. Once again, Patrick Peire offers readings that are beautifully played and eminently stylish, even though they feature modern instruments (with the exception of one Overture including two recorders). There are no weak spots in the repertoire; every one of these pieces is full of substance and panache. It is especially interesting to listen to these pieces while paying attention to Telemann's markings for each movement. Many of them are character pieces, and Peire relishes every opportunity to allow the music to portray the composer's intentions. As for the soloists, special commendation must go to the three oboes and two bassoons, all of whom contribute wonderfully to the total effect. Only the violin soloist sounds a bit awkward, perhaps because he is not playing with rubato. The sound engineering throughout the discs is superb, rich, colorful, and with no shortage of detail. As with the first volume, I had no trouble listening to all three discs in a row. Brilliant Classics is to be commended for its adventurous programming and fine quality at an unbeatable price."