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Reviewer: John
W. Barker
Always ready to demonstrate
the possibilities of an instrument—any instrument—Telemann sought to explore
four specific ones in 12-work published sets of Fantasias for each as
unaccompanied vehicles. The sets for harpsichord, for flute, and for violin
are relatively well known and often recorded. The collection for viola da
gamba was seemingly lost until its welcome discovery in 2015. The
collection’s rediscoverer was Thomas Fritzsch, who quickly recorded the set
in full for the Coviello label (91601). That was very cordially reviewed in
these pages by David W. Moore (S/O 2016). This collection is quite a
wonderful achievement. It reminds us again of Telemann’s ability to get
inside any instrument and display its character, by itself or in
combinations. The gamba character is also displayed in ways we might
contrast with Bach’s six cello suites. Cello and gamba are not exactly the
same instruments, of course, but they have their parallels in range.
Moreover, we find considerable differences in the music of each composer.
Bach’s works are suites in the French format, dominated by dance movements
and reflecting a considerable assimilation of French ornamental styles.
Telemann’s Fantasias, on the other hand, are almost completely in three
movements, each using Italian tempo designations, and suggesting a somewhat
more Italianate idiom of straightforward lyrical writing. Indeed, the
melodic invention is really quite imaginative, and there is less reliance on
double-stopping than with Bach. I confess to my shame that I do not have the
Fritzsch recording at hand for direct comparison. I know that some of his
tempos are a bit slower than Smith’s: he takes a full 85 minutes. But one
need have no qualms about the performances here. Smith is an accomplished
player, steeped in the techniques of his instrument, and dedicated to make
these sparely scored pieces enjoyable. They are certainly best experienced,
as Telemann expected, one fantasia as a time, but even in one gulp they are
pleasing listening. | |
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