G. Ph. Telemann - 12 Fantasias for Viola solo
FLAC: 384 kHz / 24 bit + PDF: Booklet
Some of Georg Philipp Telemann’s violin fantasias were in my repertoire when I was still a child. The cycle of fantasias for viola da gamba, an instrument tuned similarly to the modern viola, is my recent discovery. It heldme spellbound from the very first notes. Structurally, the cycle is distinguished bya
FLAC: 384 kHz / 24 bit + PDF: Booklet
Some of Georg Philipp Telemann’s violin fantasias were in my repertoire when I was still a child. The cycle of fantasias for viola da gamba, an instrument tuned similarly to the modern viola, is my recent discovery. It heldme spellbound from the very first notes. Structurally, the cycle is distinguished bya logic of containing the music within the scale of the principal key. Nevertheless, the major-minor relationsbetween the individual pieces in the cycle are also clearly of importance. The consistent use of key relationships supports the composer’s profound invention and creates an overall sense of diversity for the performer. The numerous tempo indications in the source make it possible to define the character of each movement. In my edition, the main principle has been to remain consistent with the source material. The methodology of my own interventions in the musical source text results, first and foremost, from practical performance considerations. Since the cycle was originally designed for a somewhat different instrument, my adaptation for the viola must needs include some intuitive supplementation so that the edition can be used as ready-made concert material. I have made it a rule to analyse these minor alterations with a view to their congruity with the aesthetic and concept of Telemann’s cycle. They are therefore not the result of the editor’s mere personal preferences. In my private collection, I have recently come across Florian Bryła’s arrangements of Telemann’s violin fantasias. History thus comes a full circle as fifty years later I myself am presenting to you my transcriptions of the same composer’s gamba fantasias.I have decided to pay tribute to my grandfather’s work by including in the album’s programme one movement (Dolce) from Telemann’s Fantasia No. 7 TWV 40:20 for violin, as arranged by my honourable ancestor.