Telemann, born in Magdeburg in 1681, traveled extensively from a young age, visiting German cities and Cracow, where he discovered Polish music.
Composer Biography
Telemann was a friend of J.S. Bach and became godfather to one of Bach's sons in 1714.
Compositional Technique
Telemann was most proud of his trio sonatas, which he organized so that both upper voices seemed like the first, with the bass harmony closely following.
Instruments
Telemann was a gifted multi-instrumentalist, able to play the recorder, oboe, violin, harpsichord, chalumeau, and viola da gamba with equal skill.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Telemann was an enthusiast for all musical innovations and ran his own publishing business to offer works to 'household virtuosos'.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Telemann's music is characterized by its expression of feelings, with movements often marked 'mesto' (sad), 'affettuoso', or 'dolce'.
