Telemann’s Subscribers
Along with many other attributes Georg Philipp Telemann’s (1681-1767) trade marks encompass his enormous productivity - after all he composed more that 3,600 works during his lifetime - as well has his modern zeitgeist and business sense. One of his most successful schemes was the launch of a subscription list for his latest compositions, not unlike the mailing lists and newsletters we are all familiar with today. These lists were signed by members of the European Aristocracy as well as some of Telemann’s fellow musicians – including JS Bach, Händel and Blavet. The subscribers were amongst the first to receive his newly published compositions, and the composers amongst them frequently went on to quote Telemann’s music in their own work. Telemann’s contemporaries are, however, not the only composers to be inspired by and reflect on his work. On the occasion of Telemann’s 250th anniversary of death in 2017, recorder player Tabea Debus commissioned twelve contemporary pieces* based on each of the XII Fantasie per il Flauto senza Basso (c. 1733, Hamburg) by Georg Philipp Telemann. In these twelve Fantasias, Telemann juxtaposes German counterpoint, Italian virtuosity, French and English dance movements and folk music influenced by his affinity to Polish music. Perhaps this is what Telemann’s choice of title, Fantasie, refers to: a fanciful, imaginative and daring line-up of national styles. Consequently the idea to add the 21st century to this mosaic of styles does not seem far-fetched. Nor does the idea to extend Telemann’s subscription lists into our century…
*Generously funded by the City Music Foundation, London
Recorder player Tabea Debus’ playing has been described as “neat, unforced, beautifully articulated” (The Times). She graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in 2017 with distinction, where she was appointed Meaker Fellow for 2016-17 and also won the Principal’s Prize 2017. Performances have taken her to renowned concert halls such as the Wigmore Hall, festivals including the Edinburgh International Festival, London Festival of Baroque Music and York Early Music Festival, and as far as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and the USA. She was selected 2016 CMF Artist, Handel House Talent 2016-17 and SJSS Young Artist 2015-16, and has appeared on BBC Radio 3 In Tune and the Early Music Show. Winner of the 2nd internat. hülsta woodwinds competition (2011) and the 8th internat. Johann Heinrich Schmelzer - Competition (2014), she released her debut CD “upon a ground” in 2012, followed by “Cantata per Flauto” in 2016. Since 2017 she teaches recorder at Wells Cathedral School.
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Photos by Andreea Tufescu Photography and Maximilian Motel
