Altona, a town under Danish rule at the time, had a notable musical scene with royal privilege, a chorus attached to the Academic Latin School (Christianeum), a cantor, and church organists.
Composition History
The Hamburg Spiritual Ministerium once demanded that Telemann prioritize a local pastoral inauguration music over a festive composition for Altona, stating he was "installed as the cantor in Hamburg, not in Altona."
Composition History
The composition was commissioned by the town of Altona as a eulogy to King Frederick V of Denmark, commemorating the first centennial of the hereditary sovereignty of Denmark's royal house.
Compositional Technique
Telemann's composition for this festive occasion is scored for two trumpets and timpani, in addition to strings and basso continuo, and features five choral numbers, three solo arias, an arioso, and recitatives.
Composition History
Telemann's "Jubel-Music von 1760" for Altona was rediscovered in 1998 after being returned from Armenia, where it had been moved for safekeeping during the war.
Historical Context
King Frederick V's reign (1746-1766) was marked by cultural flourishing, educational and social reforms, and economic prosperity, making it one of the happiest periods for the Danish state.
Composer Biography
Telemann, as the municipal cantor and music director in Hamburg, also composed for Altona, benefiting from Altona's growing musical life and lending his widespread fame to the town.
You might also enjoy...
Christmas Music (Bright Day Star - Music for the Yuletide Season)
Schelle: Sacred Concertos & Cantatas
Trialogue (A Project Around South Indian, Moroccan and Medieval European Traditions)
40 Years DHM - Mythomania (16th Century)
Lacrime Amare: Bianca Maria Meda Motets
Ziani: Magnificat & L'Assalone punito
Ernst: Complete Music for Violin and Piano, Vol. 1
