Telemann Cantatas Vol 1

Toccata Classics TOCC 0037

This comprises six solo cantatas (of a projected 72 !!) by one of the most prolific composers of all time.

They are for voice (soprano Mona Usrud on this disc) with recorder obliggato (Frode Thorsen). The format is, for each one, two arias separated by a recitative. It is tuneful, undemanding music, decently performed, but six of them only just maintain interest.

The second volume, with a similar format, is also available (middle voice, violin obliggato) and both would be useful in colleges and academies where early music students are seeking new (and seemingly inexhaustible) repertoire.

But for ordinary collectors a more imaginative approach would be welcome, with greater variety on each packaging?

Peter Grahame Woolf