Telemann’s Big Paris Adventure

Music of Telemann, de la Guerre, Blavet and Forqueray

Telemann's Big Paris Adventure

In 1737, Telemann visited Paris at the invitation of some of the greatest musicians in France: the flautist Michel Blavet, violinist Jean-Pierre Guignon, and gambist Jean-Baptiste Forqueray. To celebrate his visit, Telemann composed two sets of “Paris Quartets.” These twelve pieces were performed by these musicians and Telemann himself, making friends and making music. At age 56, Telemann had previously never left Germany; his 8 month sojourn to Paris was truly the trip of a lifetime. He never left Germany again.

Guest baroque flautist Tamara Rotz joins the CCP for a magical program featuring two of the “Paris Quartets” for flute, violin, gamba and continuo; Michel Blavet’s charming flute sonata L’Henriette; Solo Viol pieces by Jean-Baptiste and his father Antoine Forqueray; and a trio sonata by another Parisian composer of the era: Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre.

Join the CCP for a fascinating program in the resonant Montclair Civic Center in Denver (November 8, 2 pm) or at TrailWinds Recreation Center in Thornton (November 10, 4 pm).