Toad Lane Concerts: Telemann Baroque Ensemble

Telemann Baroque Ensemble

The Telemann Baroque Ensemble is an experienced troupe of talented instrumentalists. They have been appearing at Toad Lane Concerts for many years, latterly four times a year and they can always be relied upon for great musicmaking.

The line up varies from time to time and on Wednesday 11 September consisted of Alastair Roberts on flute, Kevin O’Sullivan on bassoon, Elaine da Costa & Sarah Snape on violin, John Goodstadt on viola and Roger Bisby on cello. Peter Collier's harpsichord provided the fundamental basis throughout (called the basso continuo) giving it the authentic Baroque sound ideally suited to St Mary in the Baum. Peter also introduced the items with amusing anecdotes and interesting historical context.

Pergolesi’s Flute Concerto in G major is marked Spiritoso and indeed it was. Fasch’s Sonata in G minor featured an unusual combination with flute, violin, obbligato (meaning obliged to use) bassoon and cello, which worked remarkably well.

Telemann concerto in A minor for strings was beautifully balanced and allowed the group of strings to have their day. The ensemble’s eponymous composer also wrote a wonderful double concerto in F for flute and bassoon. This discovery, unusual for the time, consists of a fascinating conversation between the two woodwind players overseen by their peers. Wonderful.

The audience, including music students from Heywood’s Holy Family College really appreciated another treat of great music brought to life by enthusiastic players in a superb acoustic.

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

To see details of forthcoming Toad Lane Concerts, click here.

Dr Joe Dawson