Twelve Fantasias for solo violin, TWV 40: 14–25 by Georg Philipp Telemann
Urtext edition by Gunter Hausswald. Published by Barenreiter
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) was a prominent German composer of the Baroque era. He was one of the most prolific composers in history, with over 3,000 works to his name. His music provides an important link between the Baroque and Classical periods and was a major influence to transitional composers such as C.P.E. Bach. Many of his works reflect his desire to create pedagogical, approachable works–a quality that makes them popular with amateur players today.
Telemann wrote several collections of fantasias for unaccompanied instruments; the best-known of these is his set of 12 Fantasias for Solo Violin, TWV 40: 14-25 (1735). They exhibit the two predominant styles of the time: fugal, contrapuntal polyphony and the simpler, dance-like, melodic galant style. These works are perfect for the advancing amateur violinist who is not yet ready for Bach’s sonatas and partitas. Intermediate-advanced level, Grade 4.
