Da Camera is joined by acclaimed soprano Carolyn Sampson for a special anniversary programme celebrating Telemann’s cantatas and trio sonatas.

In his autobiography of 1740, Telemann wrote, ‘I particularly devoted myself to the composing of trios… People even flattered me as having done my best work here.’

Ingenuity and variety abound with the use of the new, German ‘mixed style’, of combining German, French and Italian styles. Tuneful melodies in the modern galant style sit alongside traditional counterpoint.  But, at times, there’s a leap into Eastern European gypsy music, with alla zoppa syncopations and rousing unisons, which Telemann heard on his travels and described as having ‘barbaric beauty’.

Trios from Essercizii Musici (1739/40) as well as the Darmstadt Manuscript are included; the latter of which are marked for recorder and dessus de viole, (treble viol), but have long been played on recorder and violin. They couldn’t be more suited to the recorder and treble viol!

Harmonischer Gottesdienst (1725–6) is an annual cycle of cantatas. Each cantata is scored for a solo voice, obbligato instrument and continuo, and consists of a central recitative, which, as Telemann points out, follow the natural flow of the German language, surrounded by rich and passionate da capo arias.

Da Camera is an exciting and versatile ensemble, crossing the line between early, folk and contemporary music. Their programmes range in repertoire from the passamezzi of the 15th century, via traditional Celtic and English music, through the baroque, to newly-commissioned works. Three new works have been commissioned by them to date. All members of the recorder family feature alongside many different sizes of viol, with harpsichord or organ accompaniment. Da Camera has performed to great acclaim at Wigmore Hall, Purcell Room, Royal Albert Hall, for the BBC on many occasions, and at many major festivals around the UK. Emma, Susanna and Steven are all in demand as freelance musicians with many of the UK’s leading period groups and teach on various music courses and summer schools. A Celtic Celebration, Da Camera’s first CD of Scottish and Irish Baroque and Traditional music, received widespread interest and praise. Da Camera will be recording a new CD of Telemann’s original trio sonatas for recorder and treble viol, recorder.

‘A well-balanced programme, a friendly and informal stage manner, fine musicianship and superb playing: what more could an audience ask for?’ Early Music Review
‘Carolyn Sampson’s pure soprano cossets the words, savouring their expressive implications, relishing their shifts of rhythm and subtly sighing with bliss, yearning or heartache…’ The Daily Telegraph