" A Lully fame has won, Corelli may be praised. But Telemann above all praise is raised." The echoes of this quotation by the prominent 18th century composer and theorist John Mattheson loom today with their weight of responsibility over any musician performing the music of this "superstar composer". It is therefore a great pleasure to encounter a recording that does justice to his legacy. As the name of the CD hints, Charivari Agréable presents us with performances of works not only by Telemann, but also by his godsons, Georg Phillip Kress and C.P.E. Bach. The CD opens with a Grave, the first movement of Telemann’s Concerto á Flauto traverso, Viola di gamba, Fagotto e Cembalo, TWV 43:C2. Having a slow movement open a musical program is generally risky, but in this instance, the sensuality of sound and luscious phrasing pull the listener into the recording. The Largo third movement confirms the ensemble’s remarkable musical sensibilities. However, it is not only the slow movements where the ensemble excels. Both the vivace movements of Telemann’s Sonata á 4 for flute, two violas da gamba, and harpsichord, TWV 43:G10 display a noteworthy level of virtuosity, but the ensemble does not lose sight of their established sense of phrasing. The mention of two works by C.P.E. Bach, Fantasia sopra Jesu meines Lebens Leben and Arioso per il cembalo e violino, also cannot be omitted, as they beautifully complement the creative program selected by this talented group."   ****

Zak Ozmo

"... A marvellous performance throughout, as far as can be imagined from the dry-as-dust Telemann recordings that crowded shelves for so many years."

James Manheim

                                   Performance ****   -     Sound *****

"Charivari Agréable presents here an unusual programme in which Telemann’s music is interspersed by that two of his godsons. Far and away the more famous of them is Bach’s second musically talented son, Carl Philipp Emanuel, who followed in his godfather’s footsteps as Hamburg’s Director musices. The other, Georg Philipp Kress, is now but the faintest of shadows and indeed may never have been otherwise. Charivari Agréable convey the fragile, never more than skin-deep charm of his Flute Trios with lightly applied articulation and an appropriate espirit de salon. These virtues, along with a marked elegance of phrasing, are features which define the performing style of this ensemble.

There is a pleasing energy in this playing which is also supple, fluent and idiomatic. The nfast movements of Telemann’s two fine G major Quartets for flute, two viole di gamba and harpsichord, more effective in this scoring than in Telemann’s alternative suggestion for flute and two violins, offer persuasive examples of what I mean."

Nicholas Anderson 
 

"Beautifully recorded and consummately played, this stunning collection of chamber music by Kress, Telemann and CPE Bach, is one of my discs of 2006." 

      *****

Julian Haylock

"This clearly recorded disc offers a greater variety of texture and instrumental combination than might at first appear. Its well-planned programme is both instructive and full of delights."

Glyn Pursglove