Telemann: Violin Sonatas
Dorian Komanoff Bandy; Paul Cienniwa, hpsi
Whaling City Sound 108—80 minutes
This is the second recording I have encountered of Telemann’s unusual 1715 publication of sonatas for violin and harpsichord. The first was made by Valerio Losito and Federico Del Sordo and released by Brilliant (S/O 2017).
These are stylistically interesting works, marked by Telemann’s immersion in French styles. The performances here are alert and stylist, just a bit broader than the processors. For all that, this new recording makes space to add to the 1715 set a sonata that survives only in manuscript, marked by some stylistic foibles.
Romanoff Bandy uses a vibratoless technique that has its piercing moments, but his playing is certainly expert. It is also favored over the harpsichord in the balances.
The booklet notes by Bandy comment extensively on the styles and compositional techniques in these sonatas.
Both recordings have their merits, but I prefer this new one.
John W. Barker
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