L'Armonia Sonora, the ensemble on this recording, has re-evaluated the instrumentation for almost every piece, aiming for unity without altering Bach's musical text.
Compositional Technique
Bach paradoxically chose the modern sonata form for the antique viola da gamba, while using the antique suite form for the modern cello.
Compositional Technique
The idea of sonatas for a solo instrument with obbligato harpsichord, where the harpsichord's right hand acts as an equal partner, was not invented by Bach but was a feature of German Protestant music.
Composer Biography
During his lifetime, Johann Sebastian Bach was considered a minor musician, scarcely known beyond his home province, and viewed as musically conservative by his peers.
Composition History
Bach published only about ten works during his lifetime, including the Musical Offering and the Art of Fugue.
Instruments
Mieneke van der Velden, a gambist on this album, plays two original French instruments: a bass viol from 1617 by Antoine Despont and a pardessus de viole from 1768 by Ludovic Guersan.
Historical Context
The viola da gamba was considered an archaic instrument in the 18th century, largely replaced by the cello in instrumental ensembles.
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