Six Sonatas for violin and obbligato Harpsichord, Vol. 2 (BWV 1017-19) by Johann Sebastian Bach
Urtext edition by Peter Wollny, with markings by Andrew Manze. Published by Barenreiter
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was a German composer of the Baroque period and widely considered one of the greatest composers in the Western canon. He carefully studied the work of his forebears and contemporaries, incorporating intricate counterpoint and harmonic innovations into a sophisticated style that represents the zenith of the Baroque tradition. Though he wrote predominantly religious music-including several passions and over 200 cantatas-he is most celebrated today for his profoundly moving instrumental music, including concertos, suites, and sonatas, including many for strings-such as his Cello Suites and Sonatas and Partitas for violin.
Bach's Six Sonatas for violin and obbligato Harpsichord, BWV 1014-1019 date from his later Cothen period (early 1720s). They are in trio sonata form-three independent parts-typically for a solo instrument and basso continuo. However, Bach departed from tradition by giving the harpsichord a fully written-out, equal line with the violin, with a strong bass line that could be reinforced by viola da gamba. These sonatas were major step toward the modern instrumental sonata of the classical period and beyond-and are now treasured for their purity of voice writing and peerless lyricism. This Barenreiter urtext edition-the second volume of two-contains Sonatas Nos. 4-6, BWV 1017-1019. It gives an authoritative, period-authentic presentation of these sonatas, complete with marked and unmarked violin parts, as well as keyboard and optional viola da gamba parts. Also includes historical background, performance notes, and critical commentary, as well as early versions of Sonata No. 6 in G Major, BWV 1019. Advanced level, Grade 5.
CONTENTS:
- Sonata No. 4 in C minor, BWV 1017
- Sonata No. 5 in F minor, BWV 1018
- Sonata No. 6 in G Major, BWV 1019
