Vivace! A compilation of celebrations and cheerful classical choices!

The first performance of the String Quartet No. 13 in A Minor, the Rosamunde Quartet, D 804 by Franz Schubert took place on March 14, 1824. On the 190th anniversary of that debut, we'll start this week's Vivace with a sparkling performance of it.

Just after 7 am, we'll hear some music of Ernst Eichner, a rarely heard 18th Century German composer.  We will celebrate the birthdays of two famous composers: Georg Telemann and Johann Strauss 1 ...

... and as mathematicians and scientists celebrate National Pi Day, we'll have some special music for them at 8 o'clock.  Don't forget to eat some pie as you listen!

At about 8:30 am, we'll have a special treat for Gilbert & Sullivan fans as we celebrate the anniversary of The Mikado's first performance in London.

As ever, I look forward to the pleasure of your company this Friday for another fun-filled edition of Vivace, 6-9 am, right here on WTJU-Charlottesville.

Telemann Double Concerti a welcome reminder

Georg Philipp Telemann
Double Concerti for Winds & Strings
Rebel ; Jörg-Michael Schwarz conductor
Bridge Records

I always forget about Telemann. Unlike his contemporaries Bach and Handel, he didn't write anything that became a breakout hit, like the "Air on a G String," or "Water Music." But his music was all of a very high quality, full of inventiveness and skill -- as Rebel reminded me with this new recording of Telemann double concerti.

Played with authentic instruments, Rebel presents these works as fresh, robust compositions, brimming with energy. And that makes this a very appealing recording.

The soloists balance nicely between authentic performance practices and individual expression. As a result, these concertos sound like living, breathing works rather than museum pieces.

Recording Rebel in a church was an excellent call. The ambiance is well-suited to the ensemble, vibrant enough to give the music depth, yet intimate enough to hear every detail.

This release is a welcome reminder, indeed.