Overture in G minor (TWV 55: g4) (Full Score)

Telemann Overture in G minor (TWV 55: g4) (Full Score)

If Telemann was regarded by his contemporaries as one of the greatest of all composers, his star, faced with the overwhelming presence of Bach and Handel, paled in the course of the 19th century to the verge of contempt.  This assessment changed radically during the course of the last century. Through the systematic exploration of his music, Telemann, once considered purely an instrumental composer, has emerged into a highly cultivated, culturally well-connected and enormously versatile artistic personality who left an indelible mark on the musical life of his time.  Again and again we discover an individual approach in his works that seems to abandon the musical conventions of his day, both large and small.

This overture is one of the master's most carefully crafted.  Already in the opening Grave, and even more so in the use of the theme in the free Allegro moderato, the concertante element plays an immense role.  In the cheerful Rondo, particular importance is attached to sensible phrasing, which makes the apparent rhythmic uniformity disappear.  "Les Irresoluts" must be presented with a certain amount of restraint in the tempo and dynamics, so that the gavotte of the "Capricieuses" seems all the more joyful.  The Loure is a quiet, distinguished movement, while the Bramarbasieren of the "Gasconnade" may be laid on rather thickly.  The two minuets revert to the genteel, calm tone of the Loure.