Telemann Methodical sonatas

[melodydad]

I have just bought the Amadeus edition of these 12 sonatas, published in four volumes. The print, layout and paper quality is excellent making it a joy to read (unlike some editions of baroque music where the notes are crammed into a short space).

The Adagio movements have alternative versions, one simple and one much more florid and with decoration written out in full. I find this a fascinating insight into the improvisational aspect of baroque music.

I have started on Sonata No. 2 and No. 6 and am over the past two weeks have been working on the 'florid' version of the first movement of No. 2. I have also recorded myself playing the 'simple' version so that I can then play the more complexd version against it - not easy!

I would love to hear from anyone else who is or has worked through these 12 excellent sonatas.

[MissyHPhoenix]

I have not seen this particular set, but it sounds like something I would really like. I'm going to try to find it -- thanks for posting about it!

I wish someone would put in a response, I would like to hear more about this.

[nika]

Telemann's 12 methodical sonatas are GREAT pieces.
Actually, Telemann made them like some kind of exercises for Baroque ornamentation and as you probably know, Baroque ornamentation can be really tricky or even mystery because baroque composers didn't write it down (but there are some rules how to make it).

In those sonatas Telemann wrote 3 lines:
1st: flute part without ornamentation (so called "pure notes" like all other baroque composers write their stuff)
2nd: flute part with written ornamentation (I think as long as you don't see this you can't even imagine how important ornamentation was in baroque period)
3rd: figured bass

Really really great stuff. And they are not technically advanced so even kids can play it.