Telemann: 12 Fantasias for Violin without Bass

Featuring

Hélène Houzel
Georg Philipp Telemann

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Critical Reception

Unlike Telemann's flute fantasias, his violin fantasias have often been overlooked, possibly due to the overwhelming presence of J.S. Bach's sonatas and partitas.

Composition History

Telemann's Fantasias for Violin were published in 1735 in Hamburg, part of a prolific period where he released 72 fantasias for various instruments in just four years.

Compositional Technique

Telemann's 12 violin fantasias showcase remarkable tonal diversity, featuring 10 different keys ranging from F minor to E major, covering a wide spectrum of sharps and flats.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Telemann's fantasias are characterized by their freedom and variety, with diversity and liberty being the composer's primary guides in their creation.

Compositional Technique

The writing in Telemann's fantasias frequently uses 'ellipsis,' where implied notes are not written in the score but must be conceived by the performer, adding hidden complexity.

Performer Biography

Hélène Houzel, the violinist on this album, has a dual career as a concert performer and a teacher, often exploring these solo violin pieces with her students.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded in October 2019 at the Théâtre du Grand Orme in Feings, France, with Aude-Marie Piloz and Patrick Bismuth providing artistic direction and sound engineering.