Telemann: Kapitaensmusik 1738, CD 1: Oratorio; CD 2: Serenata

Das Kleine Konzert, Max, Hermann, Rheinische Kantorei, soliści

CPO 777386

When Georg Philipp Telemann became city music director in Hamburg in 1721, he virtually assumed responsibility for the whole of the Hamburg's music life, with his musical and organizational talent making him one of the city's best-paid residents. In addition to composing music for the five principal churches, he organized public concerts and wrote numerous compositions for private commissioners. In 1722 he began supplying no less than thirty-six Kapitänsmusiken, each consisting of an oratorio and a serenata, in honor of the captains and colonels of the Hamburg civic guard. In conjunction with our Telemann edition we are now publishing the complete Captain's Music of 1744, for which the theologian and gifted poet Dietrich Gieseke wrote the libretto. The oratorio features solo singers in the roles of the allegorical figures representing Hamburg's Guardian Spirit, Liberty, Contemplation, Joy, and Gratitude, with Discernment, Trust, Love of the Fatherland, and Frivolity joining these ranks in the serenata. Once again Telemann's multifacetedness and gift for sophisticated instrumental technique are shown. Fifes and drums add unusual military colors in the serenata. A discovery of its own unique kind!

CD x 2

CPO

1/14/11

761203738625