Pieces/Johann Sebastian Bach/Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord No. 1 in G major

Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord No. 1 in G majorc. 1736–1741BWV 1027

celloharpsichordbaroquesonata~14 min

The first of three sonatas composed at Cöthen for viola da gamba and obbligato harpsichord. On modern cello, the piece reads as chamber music between equals rather than soloist-with-continuo: Bach gives the keyboardist a fully written-out right hand that trades material with the cellist throughout. The opening Adagio is lyrical and gently ornamented; the ensuing Allegro ma non tanto is one of Bach's most graceful fugues. BWV 1027 survives in an earlier version as the Trio Sonata BWV 1039 for two flutes and continuo, and the gamba sonata can be read as Bach's reworking of that material.

Movements

I. Adagio

G major · 3/2

II. Allegro ma non tanto

G major · 6/8

III. Andante

E minor · 3/4

IV. Allegro moderato

G major · 2/4

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