TitelseiteGeorge Frideric Handel, attributed (1685-1759)
Twelve Kassel Sonatas for viola da gamba and basso continuo

Manuscript 2° Ms. Mus. 35 of the Universitätsbibliothek Kassel

Preface Reviews [in German version] Sample page CDs [in German version] 2nd sample page Errata / Addenda Sound samples "Sound sample" Deutsche Version

Editor: Günter and Leonore von Zadow, publication date: 2015-07, continuo realization: Dankwart von Zadow, source: D-Kl 2° Ms. Mus. 35

Order information

G269Handel, 12 Kassel Sonatas for viola da gamba, sonatas 1-4, VdG+Bc, Score with introduction, 2 playing scores, 68 p., ISMN 979-0-50174-269-119.50 €
G270Handel, 12 Kassel Sonatas for viola da gamba, sonatas 5-8, VdG+Bc, Score with introduction, 2 playing scores, 68 p., ISMN 979-0-50174-270-719.50 €
G271Handel, 12 Kassel Sonatas for viola da gamba, sonatas 9-12, VdG+Bc, Score with introduction, 2 playing scores, 68 p., ISMN 979-0-50174-271-419.50 €

Description

These twelve sonatas are from an anonymous manuscript in the Kassel University Library. The title of the manuscript describes them as viola da gamba sonatas. However, they lie much too high for bass viol, so that specialists have long wondered how they could be played. In our edition, we now offer a solution: the viol part has been taken down an octave, and the two parts then transposed a third lower. As a result, viola da gamba players can now play these fine sonatas for the first time.

In the year 2015, by means of handwriting comparisons, the Handel scholar Graham Pont came to the conclusion that the Kassel manuscript was scribed by William Babell, George Frideric Handel's main copyist. Pont is therefore convinced that the sonatas are the work of the young Handel. The music is catchy, varied, dance-like, well-structured, and has a lively bass that corresponds well to the melody part.

In the year 2017 some evidence was discovered that the sonatas are possibly by Johann Jakob Kress.

Errata / Addenda

[02.05.2016] Johann Jakob Kress
G266-G268: Six of the Kassel Sonatas have been found in a manuscript by Johann Jakob Kress. See details in G266 Addendum.

Titelseite