Performer

Lucile Boulanger, bass viol

Programme

Carl Friedrich ABEL (1723-1787)

Solos in D major 

Vivace (WK 190) [Adagio] (WK 187) Tempo di Minuet (WK 200) Fuga (WK 196)

Johann Sebastian BACH (1685-1750)

Prelude for lute (BWV 999) 

Bourrée Anglaise for lute (BWV 1013)

Carl Friedrich ABEL

Solos in D minor

[Arpeggio] (WK 205) Andante (WK 206)

Johann Sebastian BACH

Grave for violin or harpsichord (BWV 1003/964) 

Allegro for violin (BWV 1003)

Johann Sebastian BACH

Suite in D majorPrelude for keyboard (BWV 846/846a) 

Allemande for cello (BWV 1012)

Courante for cello (BWV 1009) 

Sarabande for cello (BWV 1012) 

Gavottes for cello (BWV 1012)

Carl Friedrich ABEL

Solos in D minor 

Adagio (WK 209) [Moderato] (WK 208) 

Programme Notes

Improvisation, virtuosity and expressivity: three cardinal virtues Johann Sebastian Bach, described as violist Carl Friedrich Abel’s “Great Master”, passed down to his student. Abel is often remembered as the last viola da gamba prodigy to perform on the European scene in the 1770s, which obscures a most distinctive feature of his playing style: his viola da gamba, with which he literally made his audience cry, was first and foremost a medium for intimacy and sensitivity. For the same reason, his illustrious teacher picked the viola da gamba to colour the most heart-wrenching moments in his Passions. This programme by Lucile Boulanger maps out this exquisite filiation.