Many composers of the Baroque era (c. 1600-1750) were enormously prolific. It was their responsibility to provide their aristocratic or religious employers with vast quantities of music on a day-to-day basis. But even in an era known for its composers’ productivity, Telemann stood out. A rough estimate of his output numbers some 4,000 pieces – a good number of them being considerable in size. His music is stirring, colourful, and richly inventive. During his lifetime, it earned him a reputation as the finest composer in Germany, superior to his good friend, Bach, while his international popularity rivaled that of his regular correspondent, Handel. 

At this concert you will hear selections from one of his numerous attractive overtures or suites of instrumental music that he designed as discrete accompaniment to aristocratic dinners and banquets – hence the overall title, Tafelmusik (Table Music). This piece includes brief and delightfully varied movements bearing such intriguing titles as Shepherd’s Music, Postman’s Music, Flattery, and Chit-Chat. 

Program note by Don Anderson © 2022