Viola Concerto: CD

Telemann's viola concertos offer soloists immediate gratification: the melodic material sings, the harmonic language is transparent, and the orchestral writing never overwhelms. This CD recording provides violists with a model performance that captures both the formal elegance and the conversational warmth these works deserve.

These works breathe with the easy elegance of Baroque court music, where craftsmanship and charm go hand in hand. The viola emerges as a genuine soloist, not an afterthought, with lyrical passages that invite singing and dance rhythms that sparkle with energy.

Violists preparing to perform a Telemann concerto will find this recording essential for understanding the period style and performance practice. Teachers can use it as a teaching tool to demonstrate articulation, phrasing, and appropriate ornamentation for Baroque string concertos.

• Listen through the entire recording multiple times before rehearsal to absorb the phrasing and stylistic approach, paying special attention to how ornaments are handled
• Study the solo line against the accompaniment to identify moments where the viola should lead expressively versus blend as part of the texture
• Use the tempo as a reference point, but allow yourself flexibility in cadential passages and moments marked with expressive direction

Include this in your repertoire study alongside the score to build understanding of how a Telemann concerto should sound in performance. Use it as a reference when programming period-appropriate viola solos on chamber concerts or when introducing students to Baroque concerto form.

• Baroque articulation and ornamentation in fast passages
• Expressive phrasing in the slow movement
• Balance and projection of the solo line against continuo accompaniment
• Understanding period style and historically informed interpretation