Many large published collections from the Baroque era, such as Georg Philipp Telemann's Essercizii Musici overo Dodeci Solo e Dodeci Trii à diversi stromenti (1740), were printed for the sake of amateurs and never meant for use in court or concert. However, they are tremendously fun to play, and the 12 solos and 12 trios included on this set are recorded with considerable frequency; some, such as the Trio in G minor TWV 42:g5, have quite a few recordings in the catalog. This two-disc set on the Finnish label Alba is the first in a two-volume incarnation devoted to the Essercizii Musici, which has been recorded entirely in at least two other instances. Dividing the 24 sonatas and trios between two packages makes sense, as 12 of these 10-minute long works are plenty to handle, and one should not experience them in a single sitting lest one wants to suffer a severe case of Telemann burnout.
The Finnish group Battalia goes farther than most in terms of keeping the music exciting and fresh. Some recorded sets of Telemann's chamber music seem to drone on aimlessly in an unceasing stream of sameness; Battalia mixes it up, varying the continuo parts even to the extent of bringing in an archlute for some sonatas. While it may be debated as to whether this instrument was still in general use in 1740, there is no doubt to the richness that its sound brings to Telemann's table. Immediate of these interpretations is the Sonata in D minor TWV 41:d4, which Battalia's Kati Boosey plays with true sensitivity to the ebb and flow of Telemann's fount of melody. But all of the performances on Alba's Essercizii Musici are first rate, and with the recording being equally outstanding, this serves as an excellent option for those who want to experience music once played, and enjoyed, by the music-loving aristocrats of Telemann's time.