In the cantata 'Welch' Getümmel erschüttert den Himmel', Telemann's original extreme 'clarino' range for the first trumpet was considered virtually unplayable by musicians of his time.
Historical Context
Reformation Day, celebrated on October 31st, only became an officially fixed feast day in the 19th century.
Composition History
Telemann was initially offered the prestigious position of Cantor of St. Thomas's Church in Leipzig in 1722, a role later taken by Johann Sebastian Bach, who was only the fourth choice.
Compositional Technique
In the cantata 'Jesu wirst Du bald erscheinen', Telemann uses an 'antiquated' instrumentation of cornet and trombones for the chorale, which was unusual for his time.
Composer Biography
Georg Philipp Telemann, born in Magdeburg in 1681, was largely self-taught in music.
Interpretation
For the cantata 'Herr Gott, der du uns hast von unsrer Jugend an', the performers chose to use both a soprano and an alto for an aria originally scored for alto, to highlight the contrasting moods of its sections.
Critical Reception
After his death, Telemann's music was mocked by critics for its perceived superficiality and lack of profundity, unlike Bach who saw a quicker rehabilitation.
