Reviewed by Steven Whitehead

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) was the most famous German composer of his generation, working in many styles and producing a remarkable number of works. At first forgotten and then reduced to a footnote in musical history, mainly to remark upon his amazing productivity, the significance of Telemann's works has, in recent years, finally begun to be recognised. As a Protestant, he composed his sacred pieces (including 1,750 cantatas) with German texts. There are however also a few works in Latin: a Magnificat as well as settings of two psalms (71 and 117), presumably both of which must have been commissioned for special occasions. In 2017, the 250th anniversary of Telemann's death, organist and conductor Elena Sartori and her Allabastrina Choir and Ensemble presented an outstanding recording of this splendid music. All vocalists and instrumentalists give their all and the acoustic from the Abbazia Valensio in Italy is bright and clear. The music is of its time and place but is always tuneful. Texts and translations are provided and if you have yet to explore the musical world of G. Ph. Telemann this is a good place to start.

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