Capella Savaria Deliver with Telemann Double and Triple Concertos

Georg Philipp Telemann could write just about anything. And he did -- in great quantity. And he also wrote with great quality. This release samples some of his concertos for two or more instruments. 

The early music ensemble Capella Savaria, in their own way, matches Telemann's prolificacy. The ensemble has been around since 1981, and this marks their eighty-ninth release.

The majority of the concertos on this release are for two violins. They feature László Paulik and artistic director Zsolt Kalló in some spirited performances. 

The program also includes the Concerto for Flute and Violin in E minor, TWV 52:e3, and the Concerto for Recorder and Flute in E minor, TWV 52:e1. Including these wind concertos give the program some variety, adding to the enjoyment of the listening experience. 

The album concludes with the Concerto for Three Violins in F major TWV 53:F1. It's the longest work on the release, and the most involved. Telemann deftly gives each soloist opportunities to shine and combines them into duos and trios.

The ensemble is tuned to a=415 Hz. If you have perfect pitch, that might be a problem, for the rest of us, it gives the strings a darker and warmer sound. The Capella Savaria knows what they're about. I found their performances energetic and engaging. 

Georg Philipp Telemann: Double and Triple Concertos
Capella Savaria; Zsolt Kalló, conductor
Hungaroton