Georg Philipp Telemann - Fantasias for Solo Violin (Fabio Biondi)

Information

Composer: Georg Philipp Telemann

• Fantasia No. 1 in B-Flat Major, TWV 40:14
• Fantasia No. 2 in G Major, TWV 40:15
• Fantasia No. 3 in F Minor, TWV 40:16
• Fantasia No. 4 in D Major, TWV 40:17
• Fantasia No. 5 in A Major, TWV 40:18
• Fantasia No. 6 in E Minor, TWV 40:19
• Fantasia No. 7 in E-Flat Major, TWV 40:20
• Fantasia No. 8 in E Major, TWV 40:21
• Fantasia No. 9 in B Minor, TWV 40:22
• Fantasia No. 10 in D Major, TWV 40:23
• Fantasia No. 11 in F Major, TWV 40:24
• Fantasia No. 12 in A Minor, TWV 40:25

Fabio Biondi, violin

Date: 2016

Label: Glossa

http://www.glossamusic.com/glossa/reference.aspx?id=413

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Review

Telemann’s solo violin music is never likely to challenge Bach’s for popularity – not these days, anyway. Back in his own time, even Telemann may not have been aware of his friend’s Sonatas and Partitas, but had he been so he would have surely have been right in expecting his own 12 Fantasias for ‘violino senza basso’ to have wider public appeal. Published in 1735, they are not only easier to play but have a friendlier personality and more readily graspable movement structures. As always with Telemann, however, this does not mean careless writing or lack of imagination. Telemann seems to have taken the word ‘fantasia’ as an excuse for variety, and the forms here include Corellian concerto-style movements with lightly worn multiple-stopped counterpoint, flashing prestos, graceful galanteries and boisterous folk dances, all without a single misplaced step.

Fabio Biondi’s classy playing ensures that they are attractive listening. Clear, sweet-toned and generously bowed, it does not over-complicate matters with fussy articulation or effects and keeps ornamentation mainly to a few rather ravishingly delivered decorative flourishes. Each movement has convincing atmosphere and pace, from the proud, stately bearing of the Grave of No 4 to the delicious lilt of No 9’s Siciliana to the expertly set-out Allegros of No 5. In short, there is a beguiling naturalness here that has not always been Biondi’s thing, and that suits this music so well that even the whirlingly fast tempi he chooses for some movements are in no danger of jarring.

Not that there aren’t other ways of doing it, as Andrew Manze’s more strongly characterised (but in other ways rather similar-sounding) recording from 1994 shows. Rachel Podger is somehow not her usual lively self in her 2001 reading, leaving Biondi up there with Manze as a very recommendable choice.

-- Lindsay Kemp, Gramophone

More reviews:
https://www.classical-music.com/reviews/instrumental/telemanns-12-fantasias-solo-violin-performed-fabio-biondi/

https://www.thestrad.com/telemann-twelve-fantasias-for-solo-violin/5323.article

https://www.allmusic.com/album/telemann-12-fantasias-for-solo-violin-mw0002973840

https://www.amazon.com/Telemann-12-Fantasias-Solo-Violin/dp/B01IAC0P4A

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Georg Philipp Telemann (14 March 1681 – 25 June 1767) was a German Baroque composer. He was one of the most prolific composers in history (more than 3000 pieces) and was considered by his contemporaries to be one of the leading German composers of the time alongside the likes of Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel. His music incorporates several national styles (French, Italian) and is even at times influenced by Polish popular music. Telemann remained at the forefront of all new musical tendencies and his music is an important link between the late Baroque and early Classical styles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georg_Philipp_Telemann

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Fabio Biondi (born 15 March 1961 in Palermo) is an Italian violinist and conductor. Biondi is Italy's leading period instrument and Baroque violinist and is one of the leading European violinists. In 1989, he founded Europa Galante, Italy's first dedicated Baroque original instruments orchestra, and since then has served as its conductor and music director, as well as solo violinist. Biondi and Europa Galante have often appeared at major international music festivals, and the ensemble has functioned as the orchestra in several productions of Baroque opera. As a soloist, he has recorded for Opus 111, Virgin Classics, and Glossa.

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/fabio-biondi-mn0000539986/biography

http://www.europagalante.com/en/fabio-biondi/

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