Bach, J S: Viola da Gamba Sonatas Nos. 1-3, BWV1027-1029 (or cello) - CD

“The performances by these experienced Baroque musicians are technically accomplished and consistently tasteful and stylish…” Gramophone Magazine, March 2010

“Angela Hewitt joins the equally period-sensitive Daniel Müller-Schott in performances which lead the field for performances on cello and piano.” BBC Music Magazine, August 2007

“With a perfect balance between instruments, this is playing which gives nothing but a glow of pleasure” Gramophone Magazine

“From the moment the cello starts its suave tread over the piano's gently rising bass and sustained right-hand trill at the beginning of the G major Sonata, you know this is going to be a disc to sit back and enjoy. Daniel Müller-Schott and Angela Hewitt may have substituted modern instruments for the viola da gamba and harpsichord Bach had in mind but nothing in this superb music's original character has been lost – this is as clear-textured and as vividly articulated a performance as you could hope to hear.
Indeed, it has gained much by the sheer musical feeling and intelligence that these two players have put into it, aided by extra warmth from Müller-Schott's cello (achieved without resorting to excessive vibrato) and from the delicate dynamic subtleties of Hewitt's piano-playing.
There are some memorable moments here.
Architecturally, too, they consistently get things just right. With a perfect balance between instruments, this is playing which gives nothing but a glow of pleasure, that not even what sounds like some weary tuning at the piano's top end can dispel.
All Bach gamba sonata discs need a filler, and the choice here is a sonata by CPE Bach, rather more romantically drawn by Müller-Schott and with a continuo accompaniment less well suited to the piano. But then this disc is worth your money for the JS alone.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“Inoue and Sturrock's interpretations are on traditional lines, with broad tempi for the slower movements, sostenuto viola tone and comparatively smooth phrasing. It's playing that always sounds beautiful, and in the energetic outer movements of BWV1029 gives a wonderfully invigorating, heartening impression.” Gramophone Magazine, August 2007

“Bach always wrote expressively for this eloquent member of the viol family, above all in the wonderful G minor Sonata whose outer movements adhere to the ritornello principles of a Vivaldian concerto. Jonathan Manson and Trevor Pinnock form a hugely rewarding partnership. The controversial interplay between the instruments is animated and engaging and the rapport between the artists hardly can be placed in doubt.” BBC Music Magazine, August 2006 *****