Telemann and Handel, a synthesis of european styles

Trios and Quartets with viola da gamba

A major figure of 18th century musical Europe, Telemann enjoyed in his time a bigger reputation even than Bach.

This great master of instrumental music, open to French and Italian influences and to the new galant style that flourished in Germany, succeeded with considerable panache, especially in his chamber music, in creating a synthesis of European styles at the crossroads between Baroque and Classicism.

  • Serge Saitta, traverso
  • Stéphan Dudermel, violin
  • Florence Bolton, viola da gamba
  • Benjamin Perrot, theorbo
  • Carsten Lohff / Clément Geoffroy, harpsichord

The disc

label Mirare 2015 | distribution Harmomia Mundi / PIAS

“With playing like this, it deserves it ! ”
Andrew Mc Gregor, CD Review, BBC3, février 2015

“This has to be one of my recommendations of the month. Flawless playing for all concerned, both in the suavity of the sound, the perfect balance and neat interplay between the voices, and the keen sense of drama they bring to Telemann’s outstanding chamber music. (..) It needs insight from the players and this group has that in buckets.”
BC, Early Music Review, février 2015

“As for the performances, it is rare to hear such absolutely exquisite ensemble playing. All of La Rêveuse move as if they were one, with clear intonation, precise ornamentation and rapid passage work, and suitably flexible tempos that outline Telemann’s music extremely well. This disc is an example of detail and precision that should serve as a model. Well recommended.”
Bertil van Boer, Fanfare, USA, mars 2015

” This is an enjoyable disc, presenting first-class performances of some fine music.”
Les Stobbs, The Viola da Gamba Society (GB), summer 2015

“La Rêveuse”, which takes its name from a play by Marin Marais, presents Telemann’s creative intelligence, with moving and changing melodies, constantly alternating colours. To be consumed with joy.”
Biëlla Lutmer, De Volkskrant (the Netherlands), February 2015

Extract