Telemann, a composer on this album, composed his first opera at age 12 as an autodidact, despite his mother's wish for him to study law.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Telemann's success stemmed from his mastery of the 'mixed taste' (gout melé), blending Italian and French musical styles, which was considered the epitome of German national music.
Composer Biography
Georg Philipp Telemann, a composer featured on this album, was more famous during his lifetime than Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.
Compositional Technique
Johann Christoph Pez's Concerto Pastorale, featured on this album, is an early example of 'mixed taste' composition, combining Italian pastoral music traditions with French dance suite forms.
Performer Biography
Jan Nigges, the solo recorder player and director on this album, gave his first solo concerts at the age of 14 and was called a 'shooting star on his instrument' by the SWR.
Performer Biography
Soprano Sibylla Elsing, who performs on this album, initially studied violin before her singing talent was discovered at the Wells Cathedral School in England.
