COMPOSERS: Telemann
LABELS: Glossa
WORKS: Concerto da camera: chamber music for flute
PERFORMER: Wilbert Hazelzet (flute), Jaap Ter Linden (cello), Konrad Junghänel (lute), Jacques Ogg (harpsichord)
CATALOGUE NO: GCD 920803
Wilbert Hazelzet is on a roll. This is the third disc he has released on the Glossa label in as many months, and his second of Telemann chamber music. Monotony doesn’t enter into the equation since Hazelzet sheds new light on most of the pieces he handles. He is consistently fluent throughout this well-crafted programme which carefully positions thick-textured concerti da camera next to crisp, solo fantasias, or more sedate works (Sinfonie à la françoise) to more light-hearted pieces (Gayment).
The three concerti da camera feature complex counterpoint, yet the clear, strong lines of Jaap Ter Linden (cello) and Jacques Ogg (harpsichord) match Hazelzet’s expertise in making complicated melodic twists or sudden tempo changes sound thrillingly easy. Imitative phrases are immaculately construed, bouncing bass-lines drive allegros to rousing finales and simple sighs fuel calmer movements.
Linden and Hazelzet make a particularly exciting partnership and although there are only two miniature pieces for the duo, these are a highlight. Linden’s ringing, singing tone and strident pulse echo Hazelzet’s zany interpretations. In the fantasias Hazelzet chooses to succumb to only a small amount of sleek ornamentation. Very occasionally, during rapid, octave-leaping passages, the odd note is almost inaudible, but when the playing (on period flute) is as inspirational as this, all is forgiven. Kate Sherriff