From Carla’s Podium: Preparing for Telemann’s Sublime Strings

I don’t have to convince you, do I, that our March program is guaranteed to be a romp? Indeed, George Philipp Telemann is not usually a hot ticket item. One can program J. S. Bach and almost always sell out the house, but Telemann? You may be surprised to learn that it was George Philipp Telemann, not Johann Sebastian Bach, who was the leading composer in the first half of the 18th century. There were multiple reasons Telemann was so popular.

As I delved into Telemann’s background, I realized what a forward-thinking and influential musician Telemann was during his lifetime. By putting on public concerts and copiously publishing his music, he broke down barriers so that more performers and audience members could have access to his music. This program will be an exuberant event filled with delicious melodies, rich harmonies, and bouncy rhythms. To top all of this off, your favorite players will each have a moment in the spotlight.

One of the reasons I became a Baroque musician is because I love chamber music and the idea that Baroque music is not just about the individual soloist, but concerting together as a group. So much of Telemann’s music is about conversing with one another. Listen, if you can, and you can hear the instruments “talking” to each other as if they are neighbors having a chat over a backyard fence.

And, since Telemann was the most prolific composer during his time (with the wealth of musical material to choose from), it was more of a challenge deciding what not to play than what to play! Of course, the sky was not the limit in terms of instrumentation. Otherwise, I might have chosen Concerto in C major for 2 Chalumeaux, 2 Bassoons and Orchestra! I have curated a program, though, that gives you an overview of Telemann’s joyful string music.

I have selected a diverse selection of works ranging from one solo violin to the whole orchestra. His Fantasias for solo violin are bite-sized gems, with Rob Diggins and I each getting a morsel. Also on our plates will be a Concerto for 2 violas, a Concerto for 3 violins, and a Concerto for 4 violins. Whew! Of course, I do not want to leave out the bass section. Telemann was influenced by both French and Italian music. John Lenti, our lute player extraordinaire, will play a beguiling solo of music by Jean-Baptiste Lully, the highly influential French composer. The French “Telemann” (due to his prolific output), Joseph Bodin de Boismoirtier, will give our cello section a chance to shine. This piece, originally scored for two bassoons, will draw you into the soundworld of instruments we usually hear in a supporting role. We will end with an absolutely crazy piece by Francesco Durante, demonstrating the Italian influence on Telemann’s style.

I would love to hear if, after immersing yourself in Telemann’s music, you have adopted an 18th-century mindset and appreciate Telemann’s renown. I look forward to seeing you at the concert!

EVENT:
Telemann’s Sublime Strings: Carla’s Podium

Mar 16, 2024 | 7:30 PM
First Baptist Church
1110 SW Taylor
Portland, OR 97205

Mar 17, 2024 | 3:00 PM
Kaul Auditorium
3017 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97202