Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Johann Gottlieb Graun, a prominent figure of the late Baroque and early Classical periods, with the album "Graun: Konzertante musik mit viola da gamba." Released on January 1, 1998, under the naïve classique label, this album is a testament to Graun's virtuosity and his significant contributions to the viola da gamba repertoire.
Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 13 minutes, the album features a collection of concertos and trios that showcase Graun's mastery of the viola da gamba. The tracklist includes three concertos and a trio, each piece demonstrating Graun's ability to blend the rich, resonant tones of the viola da gamba with the vibrant energy of the Baroque orchestra.
The album opens with the Concerto a violono e viola da gamba in C Minor, GraunWV A:XIII:3, a work that immediately captivates with its Allegro con spirito. The Adagio con sordini and the final Allegro movements further highlight Graun's skill in creating dynamic contrasts and intricate melodic lines. The Trio a due viola da gamba e basso in G Major follows, offering a more intimate exploration of the viola da gamba's expressive capabilities.
The second half of the album features the Concerto per la viola da gamba in A Minor, GraunWV A:XIII:14, a work that showcases Graun's ability to craft a cohesive and engaging musical narrative. The Allegro moderato, Arioso, and final Allegro movements each offer a unique perspective on the viola da gamba's versatility.
The album concludes with the Sonate a tre, violono ovvero viola da gamba, violono quinto accordio e basso cembalo in A Major. This trio sonata provides a fitting finale to the album, with its Adagio and two Allegro movements offering a final showcase of Graun's compositional prowess.
"Graun: Konzertante musik mit viola da gamba" is a must-listen for anyone interested in the viola da gamba or the music of the Baroque and Classical periods. With its engaging performances and insightful interpretations, this album offers a compelling introduction to the world of Johann Gottlieb Graun and his enduring musical legacy.
