J.S. Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba Atsushi Sakai & Christophe Rousset

• Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750): Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Major, BWV 1027:
• 1 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Major, BWV 1027: I. Adagio 04:06
• 2 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Major, BWV 1027: II. Allegro ma non tanto 03:52
• 3 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Major, BWV 1027: III. Andante 02:12
• 4 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Major, BWV 1027: IV. Allegro moderato 03:21
• Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in D Major, BWV 1028:
• 5 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in D Major, BWV 1028: I. Adagio 02:03
• 6 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in D Major, BWV 1028: II. Allegro 03:55
• 7 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in D Major, BWV 1028: III. Andante 04:58
• 8 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in D Major, BWV 1028: IV. Allegro 04:16
• Sonata for Violin and Continuo in E Minor, BWV 1023 (Transc. for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord by Atsushi Sakai):
• 9 Bach: Sonata for Violin and Continuo in E Minor, BWV 1023 (Transc. for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord by Atsushi Sakai): I. [Prelude] – Adagio ma non tanto 04:58
• 10 Bach: Sonata for Violin and Continuo in E Minor, BWV 1023 (Transc. for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord by Atsushi Sakai): II. Allemanda 04:43
• 11 Bach: Sonata for Violin and Continuo in E Minor, BWV 1023 (Transc. for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord by Atsushi Sakai): III. Gigue 03:16
• Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Minor, BWV 1029:
• 12 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Minor, BWV 1029: I. Vivace 05:37
• 13 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Minor, BWV 1029: II. Adagio 06:29
• 14 Bach: Sonata for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord in G Minor, BWV 1029: III. Allegro 03:49
• Total Runtime 57:35

Info for J.S. Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba

Little is known about Johann Sebastian Bach’s sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord. Are they early works or products of his late period? Do they form a cycle, or are they a collection of independent pieces? Long-time musical partners Atsushi Sakai and Christophe Rousset set out to record these enigmatic works, in which the gamba, as so often in Bach, becomes at once the voice of lamentation and an instrument of dialogue with the divine.

Atsushi Sakai, viola da gamba
Christophe Rousset, harpsichord

Atsushi Sakai
has devoted his time and energy to viola da gamba throughout his musical career and has established himself as one of the most respected viol player from his generation.

Playing recitals and chamber music with artists such as Christophe Rousset and Marion Martineau, he has performed at prestigeous European venues (Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Vienna Konzerthaus, Queen Elizabeth hall, Cité de la musique etc).

In 2016, he has released his first solo album from the Aparté label, recording the five complete suites by Forqueray.

Atsushi Sakai is also a founding member of viol consort, Sit Fast. The group has rapidly made a name for itself and now appears at major French venues and festivals. They also take part regularly in broadcasts on France Musique.

Christophe Rousset
is a leading figure in the world of classical music, internationally recognised for his work as a harpsichordist and conductor. Founder and artistic director of the ensemble Les Talens Lyriques, he has built a distinguished career spanning several decades, shaped by his deep knowledge of Baroque and Classical repertoire. Renowned for his refined interpretations and scholarly approach, Rousset is admired not only for his virtuosity on the harpsichord, but also for his ability to bring new life to forgotten or lesser-known works. His contributions to historically informed performance have made him a central voice in today’s early music landscape.

Booklet for J.S. Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba