Fantasies for violin solo (Rachel Podger on baroque violin) (2002)

"Bach didn't write the only music for solo violin, and Rachel Podger reminds us of another prolific composer's contribution to the genre, as well as the differences between the two. Bach - the cerebral composer, the creator of tortuous fugues... Telemann the entertainer, more interested in accessibility... yet there's plenty of that to be had in these lovely Fantasias. And they sound like fantasies, conjured out of nowhere as improvisations; ideas tumble after one another almost as though this were a kind of jazz. Telemann was a fine violinist himself, and knew how to make the instrument dance and sing and so does Rachel Podger, who revels in the drones in the last sections: reminders of Telemann's love of Polish folk music. Podger has made my favourite period instrument recording of Bach's works for solo violin, and this is a lovely companion piece. In performances like these everyone's a winner. Anyone who enjoys baroque music performed with panache should give this a listen." (Andrew McGregor, BBC)