Bach in Baltimore Presents: Bach & Telemann at Towson United Methodist Church

Today, J.S. Bach is regarded as the greatest German Baroque composer, but in the 18th century, Telemann was the more celebrated superstar, commanding a prestigious post as cantor of the city of Hamburg. He was the most prolific composer of music history, penning over 3,000 compositions - at least three times as many as Bach.  Both composers were tapped to be the cantor at St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, which Telemann turned down and Bach accepted. J.S. Bach had warm feelings for Telemann whom he made godfather and namesake of his son Carl Philipp Emanuel.

 Telemann’s Sonata in F minor for bassoon is a  work of great beauty and virtuosity. It is paired with Bach’s Orchestral Suite, No. 2 featuring flute, strings and harpsichord. Bach’s work is noteworthy for several reasons: First, its polonais (derived from Polish folk dance) can be attributed to Telemann’s influence. Second, the work concludes with one of the showstoppers of all of flute repertoire—a high spirited, lightning-fast flute solo that literally will take your breath away. The concert includes Bach’s Cantata 33: Allein zu dir, Herr Jesu Christ (Alone towards you, Lord Jesus Christ). This comforting work contains one of Bach’s best known alto solos. Escape the chill of late winter with bravado works from two great friends who inspired each other to compose music that continue to challenge musicians today.