Telemann's Fantasies for solo flute do not have the monumentality of Bach's great solo works for cello or violin. At it all sounds smaller and better. However, this does not detract from the sophistication of the music. Like Bach, Telemann also managed to work out the unison line in layers. Even with one-part flute playing, it then seems as if we are listening to a polyphonic fabric. Telemann even
… suggested fugues in this way. Actually, that is not possible. A fugue is always polyphonic, while the solo flute can only handle one melody line at a time. By means of clever jumps Telemann nevertheless managed to suggest voice and negative voice in such a way that a kind of phantom fugue arises before the ear. We know that before composing this type of solo music, Telemann took the trouble to learn to play an instrument himself. You wonder what he's got from here by played flutes. In addition to the usual wooden baroque flute (traverso), Solomon also uses a flute made of ivory, and even one made of porcelain. (HJ)more
