JOHANN FRIEDRICH FASCH

These are all premiere recordings
This disc celebrates Fasch’s 250th anniversary
It quickly follow their highly acclaimed recording of Handel’s German Arias with Julianne Baird (CHAN 0743)

In January 2007 Tempesta di Mare premiered in modern times four large-scale orchestral works by Johann Friedrich Fasch, a contemporary of Bach and Telemann. Richard Stone of Tempesta di Mare describes the pieces as ‘fantastic, true discoveries… they have the breadth and complexity of J.S. Bach without the austerity, and have a much more evolved sense of orchestral colour that’s truly extraordinary’. The concert was titled The Fantastic Herr Fasch – A Genius Rediscovered, and presented a gigantic five-movement orchestral suite, two concerti for orchestra and an Andante. The works in this concert were recorded for this CD release, which means that all the energy and enthusiasm of the concert performance are here for all to appreciate.

The original manuscripts were damaged in the fire bombing of Dresden and restored for the concert. 2008 is the 250th anniversary of the death of Johann Friedrich Fasch. In celebration of this occasion, Tempesta di Mare planned two Fasch concerts, titled ‘Fresh Fasch’ during their Tempesta di Mare Greater Philadelphia Concert Series in May. A major festival is also planned in Zerbst, Germany in May.

Tempesta di Mare are the Philadelphia Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Players and have a lively and enterprising concert schedule locally. The ensemble’s recording for Chandos of Handel’s German Arias with Julianne Baird was released in July 2007. Of that recording American Record Guide wrote, ‘The players of Tempesta di Mare supply a lovely, understated accompaniment that is historically informed but without any ornamental gimmickry’.

Richard Stone and Tempesta di Mare are at the cutting edge of the re-discovery of Fasch’s output – this excellent and thoroughly enjoyable recording is based largely on their second concert of repertoire from Dresden… Tempesta di Mare really bring the glorious sound of Heinichen and Pisendel’s famous orchestra (which Fasch knew first hand) to life.
This is a recording of some really wonderful music performed in concert by a top-notch ensemble. The notes are well written also, with just the sort of information one needs to appreciate the music.
The Philadelphia based period instrument band Tempesta di Mare eschews the driven, highly rhetorical style of some European ensembles, and instead prefers a more relaxed and elegant approach. It sustains Fasch’s longer movements well by listening to what the composer has to say rather than overlaying a strong interpretative varnish of its own.
CD sound is clean and bright in this live performance of a most welcome addition to the repertoire
The opening movement of the Ouverture is pure delight – nearly ten minutes of purposeful and hypnotic rhythmic drive, with various combinations of wind contrasting with the full band.


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