When you collect “records” (i.e., music recordings, no matter the medium of the software), you grab recordings by the same ensemble (i.e., the Academy of Ancient Music, the Beatles, etc.). You begin to compare them, at some point, and perhaps identify one as a “signature” or “classic” example of that ensemble’s sound, not to mention their artistry, etc.
When thinking about Musica Antiqua Köln, I select their Telemann recording of Tafelmusik from the late 1980s. I remember buying this 4-disc set at the record store in Cleveland’s TowerCity Center in the mid 1990s, thinking it a luxurious purchase: around $50 for Telemann.
What I found, and still find, is a really clear recording (it sounds crystal clear, in fact, with percussive harpsichord, bright flutes, and the robust, juicy sound of Goebel’s violin) that overflows with energy, color, and technical perfection.
The recording represents everything one might want: a variety of music (the collection is a set of three “productions” or suites of pieces, including a solo sonata, a trio sonata, a concerto, and an overture), a variety of color (each example is scored for a different collection of instruments, ala Bach’s Brandenburg Concerti), and edgy, passionate readings. MAK may have never sounded better or have appeared in such a clear recording.
Their reading of Telemann more recently, on the flute quartets CD echoed some of the details from Tafelmusik, but it is the recording of Telemann’s banquet music that is clearly the signature.
Incidentally, I’ve been looking for a MAK replacement of late. Some MAK disciples are obvious candidates: Manfredo Kraemer, Anton Steck, Florian Deuter, Christian Rieger, etc., etc.
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Hi John,
Archiv apparently re-released the MAK Tafelmusik, now less than 20 bucks on Amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Tafelmusik-Telemann/dp/B003W16TAE/ref=sr12?ie=UTF8&qid=1289538118&sr=8-2
I did not hesitate to click on the One-click option.
The variety in this set in terms of color is remarkable, and if memory serves, this recording came from MAK’s “golden” years around the mid-late eighties. I always thought it was remarkable that Telemann wrote this work three times (he was following a template of a orchestral work, a “solo,” a “trio,” etc.). This, however, was just one of many examples of his productivity and legacy as a man with a lot to say.
Indeed. I remember reading about these pieces when I was much younger, so they have captured my fascination for quite some time. I have since bought two complete cycles of Tafelmusik, but I always kept my eye of the prize of a possible MAK recording. Now it is complete.
FYI, which you probably already know. Freiburg Baroque Orchestra just released their new recording of Tafelmusik. I’m actually very very curious to hear how they play this cycle.
The FBO may be worthy to check out! Multiple interpretations are always welcome… but I doubt they’d unseat my current favorite.