Product Description
This quartet is the second piece in the first of three sets of Tafelmusik published in Hamburg by Telemann in 1763. The numbers of players required ranged from a single treble instrument with continuo (cello & harpsichord) to pairs of trumpets, horns and violins with string orchestra with continuo which provided the entertainment for the guests at the most important feasts.
The quartet was originally written for flute, oboe, violin and continuo and has been arranged for flute, oboe, clarinet & bassoon. Some additional phrasings and dynamics have been added in parentheses ( ) or dashed lines and passages of music have been redistributed among the parts with some octave transposition to accommodate the range of the wind instruments.
There are three movements: Largo - Allegro - Largo, Vivace - Moderato - Vivace & Grave - Vivace. The quartet is suitable for advanced intermediate players and above.
The short Grave introduction to the final Vivace would have afforded the three treble instrument players a bar/measure each to perform a short improvised cadenza before the infectious romp of the final Vivace. (Rather like the present day introductions of the athletes before important competitions - the difference being that the 18th century musicians had already demonstrated their prowess.
Telemann clearly had very talented musicians available and provided them with music which was enjoyable to play for an appreciative audience of patrons to enjoy.
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