I read about Nele Vertommen before I heard her. And that was in very laudatory terms, in a book about Bach, about his country and contemporaries, specifically in the chapter that author Willem Faas devotes to Bach's first and most faithful oboist, Johann Casper Gleditsch. And he writes about him: "always delivering the highest quality" and seamlessly Faas then tells about young Nele Vertommen who made such an impression on him during a performance of the Johannes Passion. He will always remember that date: 11 March in the Dutch Tiel. The oboist was then only 18. Now certainly time for a debut cd, with not only work by Bach but especially by his lesser-known contemporary Johann Friedrich Fasch. With of course his concerto for two oboes and three other selections from his works for oboe and a little-known oboe concerto by his idol and friend Georg Philipp Telemann.
Nele Vertommen naturally performs all of this with her ensemble (and that of partner Beniamino Paganini) Musica Gloria and she does so gloriously, together with fellow oboist Nathalie Petitbon. Let yourself be carried away by that wonderfully beautiful oboe solo from the Sinfonia in Bach's cantata Ich steh mit einem Fuss im Grabe (BWV 156). And we know by now, German baroque music is a seemingly inexhaustible source of pleasure. Yet we are always inclined to compare every work from that time with that of the master of the baroque. That is really not necessary, as long as the work of his contemporaries is performed by such delightful soloists and ensembles. Fasch certainly deserves more recognition, especially his work that he wrote for oboe.
Pan Classics released another cd by Musica Gloria, this time under the direction of flutist and partner of Nele Vertommen, Beniamino Paganini. Here only Bachs: Johann Sebastian himself, his youngest son (Johann Christian) and the oldest, Wilhelm Friedemann) and the two in between, Carl Philipp and Johann Christoph. With works for traverso, the transverse flute of the 18th century and the specialty of leader Beniamino Paganini. In 2020 still honoured as Young Musician of the Year by the Association of the Belgian Music Press. And rightly so when you can conjure such a velvety warm sound from your instrument. Listen to that rondeau from Johann Sebastian Bach's second orchestral suite and you are convinced.
And the other parts? Equally brilliant, virtuoso, and flirting with French charm. You hear an opulent Paganini, excellent in his stride, well supported by his youthful ensemble. Followed by a sonata for flute by Wilhelm Friedrich, a concerto for flute by Carl Emanuel, a trio by Johann Christoph and a quintet by Johann Christian. All these sons are on this beautifully published cd honored as stylishly as their father and rediscovered. Let yourself be charmed by this rising musical talent.
Wonderful indeed to hear how young musicians are ready to ensure the succession of that strong generation of Flemish baroque pioneers.
WHO: Musica Gloria led by Nele Vertommen oboe
WHAT: Fasch's Oboe. Music at the Zerbst Court.
RELEASES: Pan Classics PC10435
ORDER: JPC
WHO: Musica Gloria led by Beniamino Paganini, traverso.
WHAT: The Bachs & the flute.
RELEASES: Pan Classics PC10441
ORDER: JPC