Bawdy Baroque

The concert’s centerpiece is an earthy overture called “La Putain,” or “The Whore,” by eighteenth-century composer Georg Philipp Telemann, who was the director of music for Hamburg’s city churches. Says Lyra artistic director Jacques Ogg, “The movements are descriptions of what one might encounter in a brothel—including the lice.” To which Paul Jacobson, Lyra’s executive director and principal flutist, adds, “Maybe the good church musician just needed an outlet.”

Programmed alongside the colorful overture are flute concertos by Telemann’s godson, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, which were written for his employer, Frederick the Great of Prussia. Even though C. P. E. Bach (the second son of Johann Sebastian Bach) was one of the greatest harpsichordists and composers of his time, his patron thought his music was overdone. Bach served the ingrate for three decades until 1767, when he succeeded Telemann as music director for Hamburg’s city churches.

Lyra’s concert features guest artist Wilbert Hazelzet, a world-renowned Baroque flutist and frequent collaborator with Ogg, an equally esteemed keyboardist who has been Lyra’s artistic director since 2000. If you haven’t sampled Lyra Baroque Orchestra yet, now is the time. Jan. 20. Sundin Music Hall, 1536 Hewitt Ave., St. Paul, 651-209-6689

Reach Lani Willis at laniwillis@aol.com.