Musica Alta Ripa - Telemann - Concertos and Chamber Music, Vol. 5 (2007)

Musikproduktion Dabringhaus und Grimm's splendid series of recordings called Telemann Concertos and Chamber Music continues here with Vol. 5 -- and it's another clear winner. All six pieces are entertaining and involving, from the sunny opening two-violin concerto in A major through the gloomy closing recorder Partita in E minor. Second, Musica Alta Ripa is first-rate, including dulcet recorder player Danya Segal -- listen to her poignant Sonata in D minor -- and soulful cellist Juris Teichmanis -- listen to his always melodic continuo playing in the Quadro in G major. Together the group plays with the controlled freedom of a great jazz band. Third, the sound is incredible. Musikproduktion Dabringhaus und Grimm's recording puts the listener in a comfortable chair with the musicians seated in a semi-circle around them -- and the effect is uncannily realistic. Anyone who has heard any of the prior discs in this series will no doubt want to hear this disc, too, and anyone with a fondness for Telemann who hasn't could start here with no regrets -- and then work backwards to the beginning.