Georg Philipp Telemann

Ouvertüre und Conclusion D-Dur TWV 55:D1

While he was still considered one of the greatest musicians of his time, Telemann’s star faded over the course of the 19th century, overshadowed by Bach and Handel to the point of being widely disregarded. This perception changed radically over the course of the last century. Through the systematic study of his work, the one-sided view of him as merely an instrumental composer has expanded to reveal a highly educated, culturally well-connected, and artistically versatile figure who had a decisive influence on the musical life of his time. What stands out time and again in his works is an individual approach that, on both a grand and intimate scale, seems to depart from the musical conventions of his time.

The Tafelmusik (Musique de Table), a three-part collection of chamber music works for various instrumentations, is perhaps Telemann’s most famous musical creation. Composed in 1733, the *Tafelmusik* illustrates Telemann’s skill in handling a wide variety of musical genres and a diverse range of instruments.