Early Telemann cantatas still show great skill
By Ralph Graves
This release features three Georg Philipp Telemann works for countertenor. More precisely, it presents three early works by Telemman (for countertenor).
Not that I could hear much difference. Telemann in his twenties was already a skilled composer. There are no awkward moments in any of these works. And while his style grew in complexity, these pieces benefit from a simpler — and more direct — form of expression.
Countertenor Alex Potter sings with a clean, clear tone. His voice has a natural warmth I found quite appealing. The accompanying ensemble is small — just two violins and basso continuo. These are intimate works that draw the listener in.
Ach Herr, strafe mich nicht mit deinem Zorn TVWV 7:1 (O Lord, rebuke me not) opens the program. This 1718 work shows Telemann’s skill at word-painting. To give one example, the word “lament” is accompanied by slowly descending chromatic patterns. Even without understanding German, one can hear the emotion of the text.
Missa h-moll TVWV 9:14 is even earlier, composed around 1700. The melody sounds more melismatic, suggesting to me Gregorian chant. The 1705 Me miserum! miseriarum TVWV 1:1135 (Wretched me) is another minor-key masterpiece. The instrumental elements are more fully developed here.
This release features a selection of shorter works for voice and ensemble. A few of Telemann’s fugues are inserted between the larger works. The Ensemble La Dolcezza also delivers a spirited performance of Telemann’s Violin Sonata TWV 41:G1
Georg Philipp Telemann: Missa & Cantatas for Countertenor
Alex Potter, countertenor; Ensemble La Dolcezza
CPO 55 192-2
