This box offers a magisterial demonstration of the diversity of Telemann’s output: operatic, first of all, with an exceptional approach to the famous myth of Orpheus; sacred with Brockes’s account of the Passion of Christ, which inspired the composer to write a dense and powerful score; and finally orchestral with his concertante works with recorder (bravo Maestro Steger!) and a selection of overtures ‘à la française’ that constantly remind us of the influence of Italian and French music on his idiom. But beyond questions of genre, it is above all the incredible richness of his style that the expert Berlin musicians of the Akademie für Alte Musik have revealed to us over the past few years!

“Telemann's musical setting highlights the drama with brilliant orchestral touches. Throughout, the orchestral playing is amazingly vivid and Birgitte Christensen as Mary is thrilling.” The Telegraph, 4th May 2009 **** [Brockes Passion]

“Like Jacobs's earlier Harmonia Mundi recording of the opera Orpheus, it's a significant addition to the Telemann discography.” The Guardian, 3rd April 2009 ****