Johann Sebastian Bach: Gamba Sonata No.2
Bach's Sonata for Viola da gamba and Harpsichord, BWV 1028, would later be incorporated into one of the composer's greatest masterpieces, the St. Matthew's Passion. This new transcription by world-class clarinetist Richard Stoltzman for Clarinet in A was inspired by collaborations with two great pianists. The joyful, improvisatory essence which this edition strives to capture stem from his 1980 performance at the Tokyo Music Joy Festival with legendary jazz pianist Keith Jarrett. This publication's Clarinet part contains also contains a number of insightful interpretive markings in English, some of which come from the illuminating rehearsals Mr. Stoltzman had with Yehudi Wyner, the Pulitzer Prize winning composer, pianist, and harpsichordist of the world-renowned Bach Aria Group. What speaks to us even today from this composition of 300 years ago is not only a music of sincere devotion, but also of sensual dance that retains its joyful freshness and improvisational spirit.
