Conducted by Yizhar Karshon (harpsichord), the Israeli Baroque ensemble Barrocada plays Georg Philipp Telemann‘s Concerto for Recorder and Viola da Gamba in A minor, TWV 52:a1. Soloists: Shai Kribus, recorder; Amit Tiefenbrunn, viola da gamba.
Telemann’s Concerto for Recorder and Viola da Gamba
Telemann’s Concerto for Recorder and Viola da Gamba is a unique and charming work that showcases the Baroque composer’s inventive approach to instrumentation and melody. Composed in the early 18th century, this concerto pairs the recorder, known for its light, airy timbre, with the viola da gamba, an instrument with a rich, resonant tone. The contrast between the two instruments creates a fascinating interplay, with the recorder often providing bright, intricate melodies while the viola da gamba adds depth and warmth through its more mellow sound.
Telemann, known for his prolific output and ability to blend different national styles, infuses the concerto with a mix of elegance, wit, and expressive lyricism. The dialogue between the solo instruments is engaging and dynamic, often highlighting their distinct characters while still achieving a harmonious balance. The concerto reflects Telemann’s creativity and mastery in writing for less common instrumental combinations, making it a standout piece in the Baroque repertoire.
Movements
- Grave: The concerto opens with a Grave movement that sets a solemn and reflective tone. The slow tempo allows for a rich, expressive interplay between the recorder and viola da gamba. Telemann uses this movement to explore the depth of emotion that these two contrasting instruments can evoke, with the recorder’s plaintive voice often leading while the viola da gamba provides a resonant, grounding counterpoint. The Grave serves as an introduction, drawing the listener into the concerto with its meditative character and nuanced dynamics.
- Allegro: The second movement shifts gears dramatically into a lively and energetic Allegro. Here, Telemann showcases the technical prowess of both instruments, with intricate, fast-paced passages that require dexterity and precision. The recorder and viola da gamba engage in a spirited dialogue, trading motifs and building on each other’s lines. The buoyant rhythms and playful exchanges between the soloists create a vibrant and joyful atmosphere, contrasting sharply with the introspective opening movement. This Allegro is a display of both virtuosity and Telemann’s talent for crafting engaging, rhythmic complexity.
- Dolce: The third movement, marked Dolce, returns to a more lyrical and gentle mood. The music flows with a graceful, song-like quality, highlighting the expressive capabilities of the recorder and viola da gamba. The movement is characterized by its sweet, flowing melodies, with the recorder often taking the lead in crafting delicate, ornamented lines. The viola da gamba provides a warm, supportive background, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere. This movement is a showcase of Telemann’s ability to compose tender, emotionally resonant music, offering a moment of calm before the final movement.
- Allegro: The concerto concludes with another Allegro, bringing back the lively, energetic spirit of the second movement. This finale is marked by its rhythmic drive and dynamic interplay between the solo instruments. Telemann weaves together lively themes with a sense of forward momentum, creating a satisfying and spirited conclusion to the work. The recorder and viola da gamba once again engage in a vibrant exchange, their contrasting timbres blending to create a rich, textured sound. This final Allegro reinforces the joyful, celebratory nature of the concerto, leaving the listener with a sense of exuberance and fulfillment.
Barrocada
Founded in 2007 by a group of passionate young musicians led by viola da gamba player Amit Tiefenbrunn, the Barrocada ensemble has become one of the most outstanding groups on the Israeli music scene. Barrocada regularly performs in Israel’s major concert halls, including the prestigious Tel-Aviv Museum, where it has presented a series of concerts. The ensemble has also participated in all of Israel’s major festivals, including the Israel Festival. Lead violinist Shlomit Sivan serves as the group’s general manager.
The ensemble members, all graduates of leading European academies, specialize in early music and perform on period instruments. The string instruments used by the ensemble were crafted by its music director, Amit Tiefenbrunn, while the bows were made by lute player Eitan Hoffer. Some of Israel’s finest musicians are part of the ensemble, including Shai Kribus, Yigal Kaminka, and Ofer Frenkel, who balance their time between performances in Israel and Europe.
Barrocada typically performs without a conductor, adhering to the Baroque era’s traditions, but collaborates with international conductors for larger Baroque works such as oratorios and operas. The ensemble is renowned for its rich sound, largely due to its expansive and varied basso continuo section.
Over the years, Barrocada has worked with many international musicians, including conductors Philip Pickett, David Stern, Matthew Halls, and Shalev Ad-El; violinists Patrick Cohen-Akenine and Kati Debretzeni; and singers Marten Engeltjes, Marek Rzebka, Markus Ullmann, and Robert Sellier.
In 2011, the instrumental ensemble expanded to include Barrocada Vocale, a group of 5-8 singers founded by Ye’ela Avital and Yizhar Karshon. These singers now participate in Barrocada’s diverse projects, ranging from Monteverdi madrigals to Bach cantatas and Handel operas.
Barrocada has appeared at the Varaždin Baroque Evenings Festival in Croatia, where it received the Prize of the Excelling Concert. The ensemble has also represented Israel in concerts in Florida, USA, and Tbilisi, Georgia. Notably, it participated in a performance of Purcell’s semi-opera The Fairy Queen in Israel and at London’s Wigmore Hall, in collaboration with the British Ensemble Retrospect.
Amit Tiefenbrunn is the music director of Barrocada, playing the viola da gamba and violone, and crafting musical instruments. He began his studies in Israel under Eli Magen and continued his education at the Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU), where he studied viola da gamba with A. Pols. Tiefenbrunn also studied the violone and specialized in chamber music at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague under M. Urquhart.
In addition to leading Barrocada, Tiefenbrunn has pursued a solo career and was a member of the Aeole Trio of Berlin, with whom he recorded two CDs. He learned the art of building period instruments under D. J. Hamoen and has since crafted viols, violins, harps, and other string instruments for Barrocada and other musicians worldwide. Tiefenbrunn also performs with various ensembles, has recorded several CDs, and regularly participates in leading classical and Baroque music festivals and broadcasts in Israel and internationally. He teaches viola da gamba at the Rubin Music Academy in Jerusalem.
Barrocada Instrumentalists:
- Shlomit Sivan – violin
- Tali Goldberg – violin
- Rachel Ringelstein – violin
- Dafna Ravid – violin
- Yael Patish – viola
- Sonja Navot – viola da gamba
- Genevieve Blanchard – flute
- Shai Kribus – oboe, recorders
- Amit Tiefenbrunn – viola da gamba, violone
- Inbar Navot – bassoon
- Ofir Ben Zion – double bass
- Eitan Hoffer – theorbo, lute, violin
- Ophira Zakai – theorbo
- Yizhar Karshon – harpsichord, organ
Sources
- Concerto for Recorder and Viola da Gamba, TWV 52:a1 (Telemann, Georg Philipp) on the International Music Score Library Project website
- Barrocada’s official website
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