Prior to the twentieth century, the viola was frequently overlooked as a solo instrument, and this absence of solo literature is particularly evident in the Baroque era. An even largaer void exists for the viola in Baroque chamber music. One of the most popular chamber music genres from the Baroque era was the trio sonata, and yet the viola is not ypically a part of this ensemble.
Johann Sebastian Bach's (1685-1750) Six Sonatas, BWV 525-530 constitute an untapped resource of literature for the violist. Originally scored for solo organ, they have previously been arranged for solo instrument and keyboard/continuo accompaniment, which does not create the same type of musical dialogue. This new performance edition of BWV 525-530 with two solo instruments (violin and viola) as the treble voices helps to restore the importance of this dialogue. - Spencer Martin
Urtext. Edited by Spencer Martin, Gary Smoke, and Kenneth Martinson. Instrumentation: violin, viola, cello, keyboard. Format: Piano score and 3 parts in slipcover.
CONTENTS:
Trio Sonata No. 1 in E-flat Major, BWV 525
- Trio Sonata No. 2 in C minor, BWV 526
- Trio Sonata No. 3 in D minor, BWV 527
- Trio Sonata No. 4 in E minor, BWV 528
- Trio Sonata No. 5 in C Major, BWV 529
- Trio Sonata No. 6 in G Major, BWV 530
