He provided his employers with cantatas, Tafelmusik and serenatas, but also got a short chance to visit Dresden, where he interacted with musicians such as Pisendel and Heinichen. Fasch was respected as one of the most imaginative and prolific composers of his age, but much of his music is now lost or badly damaged, such as the manuscripts containing these four instrumental works (all receiving their world-premiere recording). My single mild reservation about this lovely disc by the Philadelphia baroque band Tempesta di Mare, it is that there is rather too much D major for one undiluted listening.

But the live concert recording radiates a tangible sense of joy and civilized charm. Dance-like movements that feature graceful string passages, mellow horns, sweet oboes and soft flutes, create an appealing courtly atmosphere. Tempesta di Mare’s playing is never less than lovely, and I particularly enjoyed the flutes and oboes in the lovely opening Allegro of the Concerto in D. The “Aria en Pologneise” that concludes the Ouverture grosso in D epitomises these good-natured and lovingly crafted performances. DAVID VICKERS

FASCH
ORCHESTRAL MUSIC
Tempesta di Mare
Chandos Chaccone CHAN 0751
2007 · 59:36’