Fantasias and Affects

Programme

Telemann Selections from ‘12 Fantasias for violin without bass (1735)’

Fantasia No. 1 in B flat
Fantasia No. 7 in E flat
Fantasia No. 4 in D
Fantasia No: 9 in B minor

Duo No. 3 in B minor

Fantasia No. 10 in D
Fantasia No. 11 in F
Fantasia No. 3 in F minor
Fantasia No. 12 in A minor

Sonata No. 3 in G

Zefira Valova baroque violin

Telemann published the ‘12 Fantasias for violin without bass in 1735’ in Hamburg. The volume represents a genuine showcase of the master’s stylistic knowledge, exhibiting his free juggling with the musical genres of the early 18th century, and leading through a musical transition that took place during the composer’s life.

Telemann, a prolific composer and an accomplished violinist, knew this instrument intimately and created fully sounding episodes, contrasting with free counterpoint. With leading melodic line, clear structures and expressive charge, the Fantasias are in the spirit of the galant style yet bear similarities to the language of the baroque through imitation of national styles, polyphony, and affect-related musical language.

His later sets of duos and sonatas for two recorders (performed on recorder and violin) demonstrate the maturity of a genius with spontaneous and flowing style, creating a perfect blend of invention, harmony and form with minimal resources.