Telemann: Twelve Fantasias for Solo Flute, TWV 40:2-13

Featuring

Sami Junnonen
Georg Philipp Telemann

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Compositional Technique

Despite being for a monophonic instrument, Telemann conceived these flute fantasias polyphonically, creating the illusion of multiple voices.

Composer Biography

Georg Philipp Telemann was one of the most successful and wealthiest German Baroque composers.

Interpretation

The illusion of polyphony in these solo Fantasias can be created by the performer through skillful management of tonal color, dynamics, expressive phrasing, and articulation.

Instruments

The music in Telemann's Fantasias strongly suggests they were written for the traverso, an 18th-century wooden flute, as they never go below its range and lack double stops or arpeggios.

Composition History

Telemann's Twelve Fantasias for solo flute were likely written between 1727 and 1732, and he may have engraved the copper plates for the sheet music himself.

Recording & Production

The instrument used in this recording is a modern Japanese Muramatsu flute, handcrafted in 24-carat gold, which combines old and new sounds to suit Baroque music.

Compositional Technique

Telemann's Fantasias for flute are systematically structured, with pieces in alphabetical order by key, A to G, major and minor, similar to J.S. Bach's 'Well-Tempered Clavier'.