Klarinet Archive - Posting 000075.txt from 2002/12

From: MVinquist@-----.com
Subj: [kl] Telemann Methodical Sonatas
Date: Wed, 4 Dec 2002 20:18:07 -0500

Musicians in the baroque period were expected to improvise ornamentation in
slow or moderate tempos. There are a number of sources of information on how
this was done, and among the most important is Telemann's 12 Methodical
Sonatas. They were published as being for flute or violin plus basso
continuo (harpsichord plus viola da gamba), but everyone played them, and
everyone interested in baroque music plays and studies them now.

The first movement of each sonata is written out two ways: plain and fully
ornamented. The goal was to teach young players how to ornament tastefully
and in the proper style. Today, these are great treasures, since they show
how a master composer though ornamentation should work.

They're also excellent music. All recorder players play them, and all
clarinetists interested in pre-classical music should, too.

I believe Telemann also wrote a set of Methodical Trio Sonatas, for two solo
instruments plus basso continuo.

Best regards.

Ken Shaw

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