This recording features two violas da gamba: one made by Barak Norman in London in 1712, and another made by Shem Mackey in 2011, modeled after a 1683 Michel Collichon instrument.
Composition History
Gottlieb Muffat, a harpsichordist and son of composer George Muffat, created a version of Handel's Suite in E minor, HWV 429, in 1736, providing insight into contemporary performance practices.
Historical Context
During Handel's lifetime, the viola da gamba was highly regarded in some parts of Europe, like France, but had fallen out of use in others, such as Italy.
Compositional Technique
Handel often arranged, reused, and transcribed his own works throughout his career, a common practice in the 18th century.
Composer Biography
Handel was known as a virtuoso keyboard player during his lifetime and left behind sixteen harpsichord suites.
Composition History
The Sonata in G minor, HWV 364b, originally a violin sonata, was adapted for viola da gamba by Handel himself, who added the remark 'per la viola da gamba' to the manuscript.
Composer Biography
George Frideric Handel, one of the greatest Baroque composers, is especially known for his operas, oratorios, concertos, and keyboard works.
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