Georg Philipp Telemann

50 New Menuets TWV 34:51-100

Georg Philipp Telemann gave more consideration to amateur musicians than any of the other great composers of this day. One of the many works he wrote specifically for amateurs is the collection presented here ‘A Second Set of Seven times Seven plus One Minuet' by Melante (i.e. Telemann). These are extremely attractive, technically not too demanding pieces for domestic music making. They are also ideal for teaching with their short, clearly structured movements which introduce a comparatively wide range of key signatures (including E flat major, F minor, A major and B minor). The pieces are ideally suited to introduce young players to the musical language of the High Baroque and the technical demands (arppegiated triads, wide leaps, trills) typical for this period. The bass line may be reinforced by a cello or gamba, bassoon or bass recorder (the basso part is only available separately).