Concerto in D major, TWV 40:202 for 4 Violins without Basso Continuo
Concerto con 4 Violin del Sigr. Melante n.1 in G major, TWV 40:201
Zwanzigste Lection des Music-Meisters in G Major from 'Der Getreue Music-Meister', TWV 40:111
Concerto a 4 Violini Senza Basso del Sigr. Melante in D Major, TWV 40:202
Duetto I in G Major from 'Second livre de duo', TWV 40:124
Duetto III in B Minor from 'Second livre de duo', TWV 40:126
Sonata a IV. Violini del Sig:Telemann in C Major, TWV 40:203
Duetto II in A Minor from 'Second livre de duo', TWV 40:125
Sonata III in D Major from 'Canons mélodieux ou VI. Sonates en Duo', TWV 40:120
Sonata I in G Major from 'Canons mélodieux ou VI. Sonates en Duo', TWV 40:118
Sonata I in D Major from 'Sonates sans basse', TWV 40:103

“Sharp violins proclaim their jealous pangs and desperation, fury, frantic indignation, depths of pain, and height of passion, for the fair disdainful dame”. These words from John Dryden’s Song for St. Cecilia’s Day inspired Enrico Onofri to elaborate a programme focused on the violin and its ability to express such contrasting passions and moods. Imaginarium Ensemble temporarily disposed of its bass section and became a ‘sharp band’ of solo violins.

Telemann’s vast production without continuo proved to be ideal for this project, particularly the rare concertos for four violins – the heart of the programme – but also the duets, varied in style and remarkably expressive.

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Recording: Teatro Dimora L’Arboreto (Mondaino, Italy), 14–17 August 2022. Instruments: Italian anonymous early 18th cent. (Onofri); M. Minnozzi, Ravenna 2014 (Tampieri); E. Attili, Roma 2009 (Begelman); Mathias Thir, Vienna 1791 (Vasi).