Robert Smith & Francesco Corti • Bach: Sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord (CD)

The cembalo-obbligato sonata reached its zenith in the middle decades of the eighteenth century; thought to date from the last fifteen years of J.S. Bach’s life, the composer was a pioneer of this compelling form, and for the soloistic role of the harpsichord in ensemble music.

Critically acclaimed Amsterdam-based viola da gamba player Robert Smith joins with the celebrated Italian harpsichordist Francesco Corti to present a new recording of four prime examples of this genre, Bach’s three Sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord along with a sonata by his close contemporary Christopher Schaffrath. Completing the album is a new work by Robert Smith – based on Henry Purcell’s Dido’s Lament this innovative new work for the instrument absorbs broad influences from both the eighteenth century and the heavy-metal band Metallica.

TRACK LISTING:

J. S. Bach (1685–1750)
Sonata in G minor, BWV 1029

Christopher Schaffrath (c.1710–1763)
Sonata in A major, CSWV:F:29

J. S. Bach
Sonata in D major, BWV 1028

Robert Smith (b. 1980)
Dido’s Torment

J.S. Bach
Sonata in G major, BWV 1027

ROBERT SMITH viola da gamba
FRANCESCO CORTI harpsichord

RES10278 • Released 2021