Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)

Donald Macleod explores some of the challenges Telemann faced as he struggled for success

Georg Philipp Telemann was one of the most celebrated musicians of the 18th century. In Europe, his fame eclipsed that of his close contemporaries Handel and Bach and he left behind him a vast legacy of works. This week, Donald Macleod turns the spotlight on this often forgotten musical superstar, exploring the many challenges he met, the influence of his family and friends and the composer’s involvement in promoting his own music.

Music Featured:

Concerto in E minor for recorder, flute, strings and continuo, TWV52:e1 (Presto) Sonata for violin and basso continuo in G, TWV 41:G1 (Allegro & Adagio) Ouverture Suite in A minor, TWV 55:a2 Die Auferstehung und Himmelfahrt Jesu, TWV 6:6 (Tod! Wo ist dein Stachel?) Seig der Schönheit, TWV 21:10 (excerpt) Trumpet Concert, TWV 51:D7 (Adagio) Germanicus (Rimembranza crudel) Concerto for 2 violins in G, TWV 52:G2 Concerto in G major, TWV 51:G2 (excerpt) Brockes Passion, TWV 5:1 (excerpt) Overture Suite in G, TWV 55:10 “Burlesque de Don Quixotte” (excerpt) Flute Quartet in A minor, TWV 43:a3 Herr, ich habe lieb die Stätte deines Hauses, TWV 2:2 Concerto for Oboe in C minor, TWV 51:c1 Trio in G minor, TWV 42:g5 (Essercizii musici) Trio in G major, TWV 42:G11 (Vivace) Das Seliges Erwägen, TWV 5:2 (excerpt) Concerto for 2 Oboes and Bassoon in C, TWV 53:C1 (Concerto alla Francese) Quartet No 10 in B minor, TWV 43:h2 (excerpt) Deus judicium tuum, TWV 7:7 Violin Concerto in D, TWV 51:D10 (Vivace) Quartet in G, TWV 43:G2 Fantasie in A minor, TWV 33:19 Fantasie in E minor, TWV 33:4 Ouverture-Suite in C, TWV 55:C3 (Wassermusik) (excerpt) Ino, TWV 20:41 (excerpt)

Presented by Donald Macleod Produced by Luke Whitlock, for BBC Wales

For full track listings, including artist and recording details, and to listen to the pieces featured in full (for 30 days after broadcast) head to the series page for Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000zbym

And you can delve into the A-Z of all the composers we’ve featured on Composer of the Week here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3cjHdZlXwL7W41XGB77X3S0/composers-a-to-z