In the
introduction to his 6 Duetti of 1759, J.J. Quantz (1697 - 1773)
describes in detail the usefulness of practicing and playing duets over
that of concerti and solos. He tells us we will become more sure of our
ability to play in time, develop a taste for the effects of harmony and
phrasing, become better at holding our own part even when the second
plays a contrary movement, and that two players will find pleasant
entertainment without the need for an accompanist. Indeed as a teacher I
have found the playing of duets in lessons perhaps the most useful tool
for teaching and implementing the techniques and stylistics associated
with baroque repertoire. For each recording I have suggested an edition
to play from, however there are often many other publications of each
piece and any will suffice to use in playing with the CDs.
All prices include worldwide postage and packing. CD's are pitched at A = 440 (modern concert pitch)
Currently available in the series
Georg Philipp Telemann 1681 - 1767 6 Sonatas for two treble recorders (2nd part)
First published in Hamburg in 1727 for flutes,
violins or recorders, these sonatas are among the finest in the
repertoire. Indeed they even received a testament to their quality
from J.J Quantz in the introduction to his own duetti of 1659. All
sonatas have four movements including, largo, affettuoso, presto,
soave, vivace, spiritoso and grazioso. The CDs contain two versions
of each fast movement, the first slightly slower.
Joseph Bodin de Boismortier 1691 - 1755
6 Suites for two treble recorders Op. 17 (2nd part)
Published in Paris in 1727 these suites are an
ideal introduction to the French baroque style but also equally
enjoyable for those already acquainted with it. Boismortier was a
very successful businessman, making his publications appeal to a
wide audience in order to increase sales. These suites therefore
were not only written to be playable on many different instruments
but also by a wide variety of technical levels. At the same time,
they remain delightful, well composed pieces that will be enjoyed by
players of all levels. The 6 suites contain between 7 and 9
movements each and include an ouveture, preludes, menuets, gavottes,
gigues, courantes, a passacaille, brunettes, a branle, a marche,
passepieds, sarabandes, rigaudons, allemandes, rondeaus, muzettes
and a viligeoise!
Suggested music edition - Amadeus BP 2042
(Suites 1 - 3) BP 2043 (Suites 4 - 6) Schott OFB 5
(suites 1 - 3) OFB 6 Suites 4 - 6)
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681 - 1767)
6 Sonatas in Canon for two Treble Recorders Opus. 5
As the title suggests, both players in these
sonatas play the same part but in canon, one, two or three bars
apart. This makes them ideal as play-along pieces. The CD contains
the 'leader' part, so to play along you simply start when the
recorder part reaches the number '2' and stop at the 'pause' sign
before the end. The effect is very exciting and the more you play
them the more you are able to listen to the other part in front and
hear the phrasing and any ornamentaion enabling you to imitate it
(or better it) when you arrive at the same point. Telemann had an
interest in the folk music of Poland and a few of the movements of
these sonatas appear to display this. I have once again included
fast and slow versions of the faster movements where appropriate.
Gottfried Finger (c. 1660 - c. 1723)
Six sonatas for two treble recorders Op. 2 (2nd part)
Bonus Duet
Georg Philipp Telemann
Duet from Der Getreue Musickmeister
for two treble recorders (2nd part)
Although born in Moravia, Gottfried Finger spent
much of his working life in London and is most well known for his
music for the theatre. Among his colleagues in this field were such
names as Daniel Purcell and John Eccles and these duets of his
published in c. 1705 certainly reflect these associations. Echoes of
an earlier, even Purcellian style can occasionally be heard and this
in a time when the Italian style was most prevalent.
The 'bonus' duet on this CD is a Duet from Telemann's Der Getreue
Musickmeister published in 1728.
Suggested music editions
Finger: Amadeus BP 802. Telemann: Schott OFB99
Sonatas 1 - 6
plus bonus duet (1 CD)
£12.00
If you've enjoyed playing along with the Duets for One CDs, you might also be interested in Owen's new CD recorded with his own ensemble Sociall Musick.
Pleasant & Merry Humours
Being a choice collection of ye most pleasant and airy tunes from the
British Isles. Scotch-Tunes, Welsh and Irish Ayres, North Country Frisks, Jiggs, Hornpipes and severall additional fancies by ye best masters.
£12 (includes worldwide P&P)
Owen
Morse-Brown studied recorder at the Guildhall School of Music &
Drama under Pamela Thorby after completing his degree at Bath Spa
University. His own ensemble Sociall Musick were finalists in the 2003
York Early Music Competition, and he performs regularly as a soloist
with The Welsh Baroque Orchestra and Bradford Baroque Band among others.
His teaching work has been with students at The Royal Welsh College of
Music & Drama and Bath Spa University as well as in masterclasses,
workshops, schools and private tuition.