In the season opener concert of its 15th season, Catacoustic presents Telemann’s Paris Quartets: beloved suites of music for flute, violin, harpsichord, and viola da gamba, featuring Annalisa’s new bass viol. Musicians include Matthew Dirst (harpsichord, Houston), Colin St. Martin (Baroque flute, Miami), Jin Kim (Baroque violin, St. Paul), and Annalisa Pappano (bass viola da gamba).

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) was one of the most important and well-known German composers of his time. Telemann was a prolific composer (one of the most prolific in Western history!) and was highly regarded by his peers, including J.S. Bach (he was godfather to CPE Bach) and Handel. An innovative composer, he helped bridge the musical transition from the Baroque to the Classical period.

By the 1730’s Telemann was a famous composer, known throughout Europe. He wrote the first six of the Paris Quartets in preparation for a visit in Paris with famous musicians: flutist Michel Blavet, violinist Jean-Pierre Guignon, viol player Jean-Baptiste Forqueray, and (today unknown) cellist by the name of Prince Eduard. Telemann likely played harpsichord in these musical encounters.