Georg Philipp Telemann – Sinfonie à la françoise in B minor, TWV 41:h2

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681–1767)
Sinfonie à la françoise in B minor, TWV 41:h2
Tendrement (Rondeau) – Gayment – Gravement – Vite
Alberto Rosas, Traversflute
Benedikt Wagner, baroque Cello
Bernhard Grobbel, Harpsichord

This video presents a performance of Telemann’s Sinfonie à la françoise in B minor, TWV 41:h2, a striking orchestral suite that exemplifies the composer’s deep engagement with the French style (à la françoise). Structured in four contrasting movements, the work combines dance-inspired rhythms with refined melodic writing.

Tendrement (Rondeau): A graceful opening movement in rondeau form, marked by delicate ornamentation and tender expression.

Gayment: A lively, dance-like section characterized by light textures and rhythmic vitality.

Gravement: A slow, solemn movement that explores darker harmonic colors and poignant suspensions.

Vite: A brisk and spirited finale, bringing the suite to a vivid close.

Telemann’s mastery of merging French elegance with German contrapuntal depth is clearly evident throughout this composition. The suite also highlights the typical stylized dances and ornamental language of early 18th-century instrumental music.

Performed on period instruments: Baroque flute by B. J. Glauser after Carlo Palanca, Turin ca. 1750.
Harpsichord by Christian Fuchs after Ruckers/Bosch.
Tuned following Gräf-Sorge temperament at A = 415.3 Hz.

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