J.S. Bach Sonatas for Viola (da Gamba) and Harpsichord BWV 1027-1029

Featuring

Marie Stockmarr Becker
Ilaria Macedonio
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Composition History

The exact composition dates for Bach's three sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord are not precisely known, but they are estimated to be from around 1730-1740.

Performer Biography

Ilaria Macedonio, the harpsichordist, was born into a family almost entirely composed of professional musicians and won first prize at the Settenote Music Competition at age eight.

Compositional Technique

Bach's Sonata BWV 1029 is considered a chamber music masterpiece, integrating elements from the Italian solo concerto with the strict trio sonata style.

Compositional Technique

Bach's Sonata BWV 1027 also exists in a version for two flutes and continuo, indicating the sonatas' contrapuntal style allowed for various instrumentations.

Performer Biography

Marie Stockmarr Becker, the violist on this album, has performed with symphony and opera orchestras including Saarländisches Staatsorchester, Copenhagen Phil, and the Danish National Symphony Orchestra.

Instruments

Marie Stockmarr Becker plays a viola made by Joseph Hill in London in 1776, and Ilaria Macedonio plays a harpsichord copy by Joop Klinkhamer from 1990, after a Johann Heinrich Harrass instrument from around 1700.

Interpretation

The performers, Marie Stockmarr Becker and Ilaria Macedonio, chose to play Bach's viola da gamba sonatas on the viola da braccio, believing violists in Bach's time might have done the same.