Toad Lane Concerts: The Telemann Baroque Ensemble

The Telemann Baroque Ensemble

In the first week of meteorological summer that refined troupe of players, the Telemann Baroque Ensemble made the second of their quarterly visits to Toad Lane Concerts in 2024. Their varied line ups are drawn from the cream of freelancers in the Northwest.

This concert featured Alastair Roberts on flute, Elaine da Costa and Sarah Snape on violins, John Goodstadt on viola, and Roger Bisby on cello. Harpsichordist and director Peter Collier also provided enlightening introductions to the pieces. As usual, players and audience alike revelled in the glorious sound they made in the generous acoustic of St Mary in the Baum.

In true baroque tradition the basso continuo (cello and harpsichord) provided the fundament throughout. Above this we had JJ Quantz’s Quartet No 6 in B minor for flute, violin and viola, JB Boismortier’s Quartet in G minor for flute and two violins, and JD Heinichen’s Trio sonata in C minor with violin and viola. This glorious eighteenth-century chamber music allowed each instrument’s contribution to be heard as the combinations shifted and changed.

Finally, the full ensemble joined together for a superb performance of Flute Concerto in B minor by GP Telemann. The sustained applause showed how much the audience enjoyed seeing players of this calibre bringing rare music to life.

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