Graupner: Orchestral Suites

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Baroque music with Christoph Graupner's "Graupner: Orchestral Suites." Released on November 19, 2013, under the Ondine label, this album is a captivating collection of Graupner's orchestral suites, showcasing his mastery of the Baroque style. Spanning a total of 76 minutes, the album features a variety of suites for different instrument combinations, including flute, viola d'amore, chalumeau, bassoon, and horn.

Graupner, a contemporary of Johann Sebastian Bach, was a prolific composer whose works are often overshadowed by his more famous counterpart. This album offers a rare opportunity to explore Graupner's compositions, which are characterized by their intricate melodies, rich harmonies, and lively rhythms. The suites on this album are divided into several movements, each with its own distinct character and mood, ranging from the stately Ouverture to the lively Gavotte and the graceful Sarabande.

The album opens with the Suite for Flute, Viola d'Amore & Chalumeau in F Major, GWV 450, a work that showcases the delicate interplay between the flute, viola d'amore, and chalumeau. The Suite for Viola d'Amore & Bassoon in G Major, GWV 458, follows, featuring the rich, mellow tones of the viola d'amore and the bassoon. The album concludes with the Suite for Flute, Viola d'Amore, 2 Chalumeaux & Horn in F Major, GWV 451, a grand finale that brings together all the instruments in a powerful and dramatic finale.

Whether you're a seasoned Baroque music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Graupner: Orchestral Suites" is sure to delight and enchant. So sit back, relax, and let the music of Christoph Graupner transport you to another time and place.