Unexpected delicacies Telemann concerti as savoured by BASIL RAMSEY EMI    5 57232 2

Telemann as a composer had great facility and an industrious pen, as we deduce from the results calculated in dictionary lists and specialist studies. And to be added are CDs, as here, that claim a previously undiscovered piece, so the total count is not yet complete. I have always looked upon Telemann like a doughnut: there's jam but never where you might expect it.

These concerti are mostly unknown, and certainly new to the record catalogue. The unexpected delicacies are found at random just as surely as the dull patches. Never mind, Telemann had purpose in his creations and left the world with a wealth of pleasureable music [listen -- track 19, 0:00-0:58].

Common with most composers, Telemann on exceptional days penned movements that touch our hearts with a balance and content well nigh perfect. Try this as proof [listen -- track 13, 0:00-1:02]. Counterbalance is not far to seek, yet if the content is sometimes a touch dry the craftsmanship remains absolute.

The Berliner Barock Solisten directed by Rainer Kussmaul are specialising in the ensemble music of Telemann, which must excite attention if this CD does its job well.

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Record Box is Music & Vision's regular Wednesday series of shorter CD reviews