MusicNew Music Reviews

J.S.BACH
Viola da gamba Sonatas x 3
Choral Preludes x 9
Jan Vogler – Cello
Martin Stadtfeld – Piano
SONY CLASSICAL 88697575192

Two Bach experts perform the music of the young Johann Sebastian Bach. Both Jan Vogler and Martin Stadtfeld are much the same age as when Bach composed these works and apart from their in-depth knowledge of Bach’s work, there is a virtuosic energy and sense of performance that must have been very close to what Bach intended for the time. I found this CD enthralling, they are works that are seldom heard yet you feel as though you are present at the first performance and want to applaud.

Bach’s Sonatas for viol da gamba and harpsichord (BWV 1027-1029) were most probably composed at the courts of Duke Wilhelm Ernst of Sachsen Weimar and young Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen. The sonatas are not easy to perform as they are the product of a musical structure that corresponds to that of a trio sonata – ie: the right hand of the keyboard instrument is the equal partner of the string instrument and the left hand fulfils the traditional role of the continuo.

While at Anhalt-Köthen Bach dedicated himself almost exclusively to the composition of chamber music, after his efforts to create a “proper” church music was frustrated by the intellectual intolerance of the religious authorities. At Köthen he had a small but outstanding ensemble of musicians including the virtuoso viol da gamba performer Christian Ferdinand Abel and even Prince Leopold played the harpsichord and viol da gamba at a professional level. These are demanding compositions not aimed at amateur musicians.

Also on the CD are choral preludes from Bach’s Orgelbüchlein written for Advent, Christmas and New Year. Stadtfeld and Vogler have chosen eight of these pieces adapted for their instruments. If you are a Bach fan this is a must.

by Mike Ford