Telemann Sonata in A minor

http://www.lemurmusic.com/Telemann-SONATA-IN-A-MINOR-for-Bass-and-Piano-Sankey/productinfo/INT2308/

Not one of my favorite telemann sonatas but like a lot of them it's good for practicing technique. Back in the day telemann would mail these sonatas out to students and each one would emphasize a different technique such as string crossings, thumb position, etc. So they're actually more like mini lessons than sonatas. Of course, they are all actually written with cello in mind. Don't forget, if you can't find a piece it's not all that difficult the get a cello edition and play it an octave higher than written. Good luck!

 

I played it as part of my audition at IU 30 years ago. (With Stuart Sankey sitting right there in the studio.)

I really enjoyed it. Lots of sequences in the fast movements. Never tried it with German bow. Maybe I should make that a project for next summer.

 

The sonata is originally for viola da gamba (TWV 41:a6) and is from the "Ezzercici musici", a collection of solos and trios. Telemann did a bit of self publication and some of his music was sent out in installments, by subscription. I've not seen evidence that it was sent to students, and the word "ezzercici" in the title doesn't mean it was for students. Chopin "Etudes", for example, are not necessarily for students.