Telemann: Quatuors Parisiens

Featuring

Sylvain Sartre
Varoujan Doneyan
Margaux Blanchard
Jonathan Pešek
Nadja Lesaulnier
Les Ombres

Georg Philipp Telemann

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Composer Biography

In 1737, at age 56, Georg Philipp Telemann, a composer with a Europe-wide reputation, decided to take a break from his demanding workload and domestic issues by traveling to Paris.

Composer's Artistic Vision

The 'Paris Quartets' (comprising the 1730 Quadri and 1738 Nouveaux Quatuors) exemplify the 'réunion des goûts' (union of tastes) advocated by Couperin, blending French, Italian, German, and even Polish styles.

Composition History

While in Paris, Telemann obtained a royal privilege to publish his works, leading to the creation of the 'Nouveaux Quatuors' (New Quartets), which were sold by subscription.

Composition History

Telemann's works were already known in Paris through 'pirate' editions and official publications, with his 1730 Quadri quartets achieving such success that they circulated throughout Europe.

Performer Biography

Les Ombres, a Baroque ensemble, was founded in 2006 by Sylvain Sartre and Margaux Blanchard to combine musicological research with historically informed performance.

Critical Reception

The 'Nouveaux Quatuors' were highly successful, with 294 copies pre-ordered by subscribers, including 'M. Bach, de Leipzig' (Johann Sebastian Bach), Telemann's friend.

Historical Context

During Telemann's 1737 visit, Paris's musical life was dominated by the Académie Royale de Musique et de Danse and the Concert Spirituel, where works by German composers like Handel and Telemann were first introduced to French audiences.