Ensemble Zefiro Photo: Andrea Rognoni
According to his contemporary Johann Adolf Scheibe, Georg Philipp Telemann (1681–1767) was responsible for popularising the French-style ouverture suite in the German-speaking lands. The genre certainly made up a sizeable component of the composer’s massive instrumental output.
Sometimes nicknamed ‘La Chasse’ (The Hunt), this particular suite is scored for pairs of oboes and horns, plus a basso continuo line.
The initial ouverture (in the manner of renowned French Baroque composer Jean-Baptiste Lully) is followed by a string of French dances – two passepieds, a sarabande and a rigaudon – before concluding with a movement entitled ‘Le Plaisir’ (Pleasure). (Notes by Samantha Owens)
The members of Ensemble Zefiro are: Alfredo Bernardini (oboe), Paolo Grazzi (oboe), Dileno Baldin (horn), Francesco Meucci (horn), Alberto Grazzi (bassoon), Giorgio Mandolesi (bassoon).
Recorded in Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington by RNZ
Sound engineer: Graham Kennedy
