Telemann’s Admiralty Music was composed for the 100th anniversary of the Hamburg Admiralty College in 1723. It is justifiably regal, with plenty of fanfare and wonderfully high trumpet writing. The Concerto for Oboe in E minor explores the instrument’s plaintive side, beginning with a yearning Andante and ending with a stern Allegro. Burkhard Glaetzner successfully communicates the mournful feelings embedded in the music. Telemann’s Concerto for Three Trumpets returns us to the ceremonial air of the Admiralty Music. For the most part the trumpets play as an ensemble, making this work sound more like an overture-suite than a concerto. The sound of three oboes can be a little disconcerting at first, but in the Concerto for Three Oboes, you quickly get used to it–and may even find yourself enjoying its lively character and bright major mode setting. The prettiest piece on the disc is the Concerto for Recorder, Cross Flute, and Strings. Many Baroque composers reserve some of their most beautiful melodies for flutes, and Telemann is no exception. The serene mood created by this concerto is a welcome respite from the busy activity of the others. Lastly, we come to the Trumpet Concerto, played with extraordinary virtuosity by Ludwig Güttler. Once again sounds of royalty fill the air as this enjoyable recording comes to a satisfying close on the trumpet’s high D. Throughout the proceedings Eitelfriedrich Thom leads the Telemann Chamber Orchestra in faithful and stylish renditions of the scores. The sound is on the bright side, but enjoyable.
