Fantasia in E minor, TWV 33:21

Instrumentation

Collections

Musical Terms (13)

• Douzaine French
  A set or collection of twelve pieces; used by Telemann to label the three groups of twelve within his 36 Fantaisies pour le clavessin.
  Each of the three Douzaines has a distinct character: Douzaines I and III are in the Italian style (three movements, fast-slow-fast), while Douzaine II is in the French style (four movements with French character markings).
• Flateusement French
  Flatteringly, cajolingly; with a coaxing and insinuating quality.
  Play softly and persuasively, as if drawing the listener in. A subtle, gently flattering tone rather than overt expression.
• Gaillardement French
  Boldly, heartily, vigorously; from 'gaillard' meaning lively and robust.
  A French Baroque character marking for energetic, confident playing. Related to the gaillarde (galliard) dance — think rhythmic strength, not aggression.
• Gayment French
  Gaily, cheerfully; in a light and animated manner.
  A French Baroque tempo character implying brightness and forward motion without becoming rushed. Keep articulation light and dancing.
• goût mélangé French
  The 'mixed taste'; Telemann's term for his synthesis of German, French, and Italian stylistic elements within a single work or collection.
  When performing Telemann, recognise that shifts in character within a piece often reflect these different national styles. French sections tend toward elegance and ornament; Italian sections toward energy and sequential drive; German sections toward contrapuntal depth.
• Gratieusement French
  Gracefully; with elegance and gentle charm.
  Smooth phrasing and light ornamentation. Avoid over-articulation — the grace lies in the flow rather than in emphasis.
• Gravement French
  Gravely, solemnly; with weight and deliberate pacing.
  Take a broad tempo and allow harmonic changes to register. This is not simply slow — the gravity lies in the quality of each note, not the speed.
• Lentement French
  Slowly; at a deliberate, unhurried pace.
  A French tempo marking indicating a true slow movement, often with room for subtle rhythmic freedom. Not the same as 'grave' — the character here is thoughtful rather than solemn.
• Melodieusement French
  Melodiously; with sustained, singing tone quality.
  Emphasise the continuity of the melodic line above all else. In harpsichord writing, use subtle rhythmic nuance (notes inégales) to sustain the line.
• Pompeusement French
  Pompously, grandly; with stateliness and ceremonial weight.
  Broaden the tempo and give each beat full value. Suitable for dotted figures and sequences — lean into the ornamental richness without rushing.
• Spirituellement French
  Wittily, with spirit; implying a kind of playful intelligence.
  A distinctively Baroque French descriptor — lighter than 'vivace', with a sense of lightness and wit rather than sheer speed. Preserve the dance character.
• Tendrement French
  Tenderly; with warmth and gentle expressiveness.
  Play with a singing, intimate tone. Avoid over-emphasis on the beat; allow the melody to breathe and phrase naturally.
• Vivement French
  Lively, briskly; with animated forward momentum.
  Maintain a crisp, energetic articulation. In harpsichord music, clarity of touch replaces dynamic swell — let rhythmic precision create the energy.