J.S. Bach’s Sonata in G Major for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord, BWV 1027 is the first of a set of three sonatas for this instrumentation. It is based on Bach’s earlier work, the Sonata for Two Transverse Flutes and Continuo, BWV 1039. When Bach wrote this sonata, the viola da gamba which had been prominent from about 1480 until 1780, was becoming an instrument of the past in favour of the cello.
Bach’s autograph has been preserved for the G Major Sonata, and the title page says Sonata à Cembalo è Viola da Gamba, indicating that the two instruments are treated as equals. On this recording Ensemble Vivant’s cellist Tom Mueller and I perform the first movement of this sonata, the Allegro Moderato, a 3-part fugue.
