Bach, J S: Sonata in D minor BWV1036

It should be remembered that Bach himself was one of the most assiduous adapters and arrangers of his own music and because these chamber pieces were primarily concerned with music-making, the instruments used very often reflected what was available to the composer at the time.

This music was not intended primarily for listeners and certainly not for public concerts. Baroque chamber music was intended almost exclusively as a way for the performer to further his musical education and training, and at the same time to give him pleasure. Its second purpose was to serve as an exercise and testing ground for composers. Because this music is primarily made for the intimate communion of composers and performers, and only readily includes an audience who can call themselves connoisseurs or discriminating enthusiasts, the audio disc, rather than the conventional concert performance, seems an ideal way to listen.