Elizabeth Wallfisch - Telemann: Complete Violin Concertos, Vol. 2 (2007)

With the release of this second disc in violinist Elizabeth Wallfisch's survey of the complete violin concertos of Telemann, one thing is readily apparent: the Hamburg composer wrote a lot of really fine violin concertos. Taken altogether, the seven concertos on the first volume and now these eight concertos on the second volume form a wonderful body of work as remarkable for its consistency and its diversity. That is to say, all the works are not only superbly written to show off the virtuosity of the soloist and the composer, but they are all markedly different from each other. True, the eight concertos here are either three-movement fast-slow-fast or four-movement slow-fast-slow-fast works, but each movement of each work is unique and the way they fit together is likewise unique. Taken one at a time, Telemann's violin concertos stand equal to Bach's technique; taken altogether, they may exceed his in accomplishment. As in the first volume, violinist Wallfisch proves herself to be a magnificent period instrument player with an outstanding technique, a passionate attitude, and a rich palette of tone colors. And as before, l'Orfeo Barockorchester accompanies her with enthusiasm and dedication. Captured in balanced and detailed sound, this disc belongs in any collection of Baroque violin concertos. -- James Leonard