J.S. Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord - RES10278

J.S. Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord

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Total playing time [62:51]

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Robert Smith (viola da gamba)
Francesco Corti (harpsichord)


The cembalo-obbligato sonata reached its zenith in the middle decades of the eighteenth century; thought to date from the last fifteen years of J.S. Bach’s life, the composer was a pioneer of this compelling form, and for the soloistic role of the harpsichord in ensemble music.

Critically acclaimed Amsterdam-based viola da gamba player Robert Smith joins with the celebrated Italian harpsichordist Francesco Corti to present a new recording of four prime examples of this genre, Bach’s three Sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord along with a sonata by his close contemporary Christopher Schaffrath. Completing the album is a new work by Robert Smith – based on Henry Purcell’s Dido’s Lament this innovative new work for the instrument absorbs broad influences from both the eighteenth century and the heavy-metal band Metallica.

Album Booklet (PDF)

Tracklist

J. S. Bach (1685–1750)
Sonata in G minor, BWV 1029
1. Vivace
2. Adagio
3. Allegro

Christopher Schaffrath (c.1710–1763)
Sonata in A major, CSWV:F:29
4. Allegretto
5. Adagio
6. Allegro

J. S. Bach
Sonata in D major, BWV 1028
7. Adagio
8. Allegro
9. Andante
10. Allegro

Robert Smith (b. 1980)
11. Dido’s Torment

J.S. Bach
Sonata in G major, BWV 1027
12. Adagio
13. Allegro ma non troppo
14. Andante
15. Allegro moderato

'Corti is, as ever, entirely charismatic. His playing brims with musical winks and flirtatious filigree. Smith [...] is at his finest here too: there’s a buoyancy and a liveness to this conversation.'

- Gramophone

'Corti is, as ever, entirely charismatic. His playing brims with musical winks and flirtatious filigree. Smith [...] is at his finest here too: there’s a buoyancy and a liveness to this conversation.'
Gramophone

'[...] Dido’s Torment, by Robert Smith which is said to combine influences from the 18th Century together with those of the heavy-metal band Metallica! It doesn’t feel at all out of place in this programme which is beautifully executed.'
Lark Reviews

'This is a beautiful CD, and I recommend it wholeheartedly. Both performers are wonderful players and seem instinctively at home playing together. Smith’s poise, fluency and eloquence are matched by Corti’s impeccable sense of timing, where nothing is rushed but everything sparkles'
Early Music Review

© 2021 Deutschlandradio / Resonus Limited
Ⓟ 2021 Deutschlandradio / Resonus Limited
Catalogue No. RES10278
Producer: Stephan Schmidt
Engineer: Christoph Rieseberg
Executive Producers: Bettina-C. Schmidt & Adam Binks
EAN: 5060262793084
Cover photograph: Sonja Cabalt
Release date: 30 April 2021