Sonatas for Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord Main Performer or Conductor: David Geringas Accompaniment/Orchestra: Hanns Martin Schneidt Soloists: David Geringas, viola da gamba Hanns Martin Schneidt, harpsichord Instrumentation: Harpsichord Viola da Gamba Individual Works: Sonata for viola da gamba and harpsichord in G major, BWV 1027 Sonata for viola da gamba and harpsichord in D major, BWV 1028 Sonata for viola da gamba and harpsichord in G minor, BWV 1029 Format: Compact Disc Record Label: Edelweiss Records Year Released/Recorded: 1989 Total Playing Time: 42:22 Comments: Alastair Asher said: Beautifully understated performances. I would call the playing elegant and well-judged. It's perfectly adapted to the music. Hanns Martin Schneidt, who I have heard nothing of except his playing on this recording, is an excellent harpsichordist, who possesses a perfect sense of timing, which in my opionion is essential in harpsichord playing, and which virtually no-one has. David Geringas, who I gather is a 'regular' cellist as well as a viola da gamba player, plays the instrument in a warm, unashamedly modern style, using a fair amount of vibrato when positions allow it. Of course, most of the time it is not possible. This is quite nice when done lightly, as he does it. The sound of the instruments is very well balanced (unlike in the Pinnock/Manson recording where the harpsichord is sadly extremely grating and harsh). I think this recording may be difficult to find. Well worth it if you come across it though. The alternative on modern instruments which I would recommend is the Glenn Gould/Leonard Rose recording, another excellent collaboration (one can only regret that they never recorded the Beethoven sonatas as Rose wanted to). Acknowledgements: Thank you to the following for submitting this recording and for your comments: Alastair Asher Date First Submitted: 02/15/2007 Purchasing: Suggested Purchasing Sources Note: Inclusion in this database does not guarantee the availability of any recording. Some recordings may be out-of-print or no longer available.