Discography
The Colorful Telemann
Released 2020
The Colourful Telemann presents works from different periods of Georg Philipp Telemann’s life, reflecting his lively personality and exploring his seemingly unlimited invention over a wide variety of styles and genres. A contemporary of Bach and Handel, Telemann wrote music that stands out for its delightful and remarkably generous character, each piece like a leisurely walk with a good friend. From the German and French influences of the earlier Sonata to the dignified Sinfonia Melodica, possibly composed in the year of his death, this is Telemann at his best.
The Grand Mogul
Released 2019
The solo concerto emerged in Northern Italy in the first quarter of the 18th century and rapidly became popular across Europe. The five works here demonstrate how concertos for the flute differ in Germany, Italy and France. Outer movements usually retain the virtuosic elements that characterise the concertos of Vivaldi, but the Frenchman Michel Blavet infiltrates an exquisite Gavotte into his work, while Telemann’s superb melodies and rich harmonies are characteristic features of his Flute Concerto in D major. All five works exemplify the Baroque ideal of singing lyricism and passionate expression.
The Versailles Revolution
Released 2018
The Italian-born violinist and dancer Jean-Baptiste Lully revolutionised music at the French court in the 17th century (see The Lully Effect, 8.573867). not only did he transform ballet entertainments into a spectacular new genre, the tragédie lyrique, but he set new standards in orchestral playing—with him the ‘modern’ orchestra was born. The Suite from Roland exemplifies the majesty of his ouvertures, the beauty of his dance movements and the expressive depth of his chaconnes. Both Georg Muffat and Marin Marais were profoundly influenced by Lully, as their inventive suites show, and Muffat’s own preserved performance instructions have been closely followed on this recording.
The Lully Effect
Released 2018
This recording realizes Barthold Kuijken’s long-held desire to restore to Jean-Baptiste Lully, and to French Baroque orchestral works in general, the power and intensity that once held the musical world in thrall. To the grandeur, finesse and diversity of the genre he has brought original source material to inform specific bowing techniques and the use of ornamentation. The result, as with Telemann’s Suite in E minor, which stands firmly in the Lully tradition, and Rameau’s magnificent Suite from Dardanus, evokes the spectacle and splendor of Versailles. Barthold Kuijken is an eminent leader in the field of early music. A virtuoso traverse soloist, teacher and conductor, he has shaped the fields of historical flutes and historically informed performance over the last forty years. Kuijken has widely performed and recorded the repertoire for the Baroque flute and has collaborated with other early music specialists including his brothers Sigiswald and Wieland Kuijken, Frans Bruggen, Gustav Leonhardt, and Paul Dombrecht.
Watch us Work
Violin Concerto in A Minor Op. 7, No. 5 | Vivace
Jean-Marie Leclair | May 2023
Concerto Grosso in G major Op. 6, No. 1 | Allegro
George Frideric Handel | May 2023
Flute Concerto in E Minor | Moderato quasi Andante
Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf | May 2023
Flute Concerto in E Minor | Adagio
Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf | February 2023
Symphony No. 1 in E Flat Major, KV 16 | Molto Allegro
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | February 2023
Violin Concerto in E Major, RV 270 | Adagio & Allegro/sempre sordino
Antonio Vivaldi | December 2022
Excerpt from Sonate IV | Six Sonates et un Caprice en Trio
Jacques Christophe Naudot | March 2022
Gagliarda-Allegro from Mensa Sonora Pars III in a minor
Heinrich Ignaz Franz Biber | April 2021
Handel Messiah Reimagined
December 2020
Sonata for Two Violins in E Minor
Isabella Leonarda | October 2020
Musica Medicina Dolorum in COVID-19
A Message from Barthold Kuijken | April 2020
NAXOS interview with Barthold Kuijken
