Französischer Jahrgang 1714/1715 - complete cantatas vol. 1

"Recording of the month: Telemann's French Annual Cycle of cantatas consists of no fewer than 72 works, and it is the aim of CPO, in conjunction with various other bodies, to record a complete set of these. This is Volume 1, and it contains ten of the cantatas on two CDs ... The solo parts are divided between seven members of the Neumeyer Consort, all of whom display very considerable skill ... The Gutenberg Soloists are as good as any period band I have heard, with crisp, accurate and committed playing. If the plan to record all 72 cantatas in these French cycles from 1714-15 comes to fruition, we are set to discover a lot of excellent music in performances of the highest standard. This pair of CDs is a mere taster and should be regarded as an essential purchase for lovers of the German Baroque ... For the listener, then, this is a cornucopia of delights".

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"To CPO's already generous Telemann catalogue we can now add this first volume in what will be the first complete recording of the composer's 'Französischer Jahrgang' of 1714-15, comprising 72 substantial sacred cantatas for soloists, choir and instrumentalists. The 10 cantatas included here ... are performed with gusto and a fierce attention to clarity, style and affective intent by a mixture of emerging and experienced vocal soloists - who also form the Gutenberg Soloists choir - and the Neumeyer Consort directed by Felix Koch ... The cycle teems with variety and invention, even by Telemann's standards ... You'll just have to hear it for yourself".