Parnassi Musici (on period instruments)

In 1731 Telemann’s independent publishing enterprise issued what was in every respect an unusual cycle: III Trietti metodichi e III Scherzi. Previously, Trietti (little trios) and scherzos had not existed as multi-movement compositions. The pieces, all of them in three movements, are delightfully buoyant.

The two Quartets featured here interestingly employ a bassoon as the basso continuo.