Abel: Pieces for Viola da Gamba

Ralph Rousseau

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In his second album at NativeDSD, Ralph Rousseau performs Pieces for Viola da Gamba composed by Carl Friedrich Abel.

This is a DSD Exclusive, Not Available on SACD release. Available in Stereo and 5 Channel DSD 256, DSD 128, DSD 64 and DXD plus Stereo DSD 512.

Even though Abel left behind a sizable oeuvre, including many symphonic works, he is maybe best remembered for his extraordinary compositions for the “queen of all instruments”, as he called it: the viola da gamba.

Having been a true celebrity in the second half of the 18th century, Carl Friedrich Abel has since been largely forgotten. At least, forgotten outside of the viola da gamba community. He was a cellist, composer, and viola da gamba virtuoso, most well-known for his establishment and subsequent managing, together with a son of the great J.S., Johann Christian Bach, of the appropriately-named and extremely successful Bach-Abel concert series in London. With the Bach-Abel series coming to an end in 1782, Abel returned to his fatherland for inspiration and in order to be introduced to the latest musical fashion. He composed several sonatas in the Berlin style of the time before returning to London, where he died a few years later.

Even though Abel left behind a sizable oeuvre, including many symphonic works, he is maybe best remembered for his extraordinary compositions for the “queen of all instruments”, as he called it: the viola da gamba. Every viola da gamba player is familiar with some of his work. Many of us have started our education with the easy pieces with basso continuo, gradually moving to the extremely demanding and rich repertoire for solo viola da gamba. It is this repertoire that is recorded on this album.


Ralph Rousseau, Viola da Gamba

Tracklist

Please note that the below previews are loaded as 44.1 kHz / 16 bit.
1.
Sonata in D major: I. Moderato
02:59
2.
Sonata in D major: II. Adagio
03:34
3.
Sonata in D major: III. Rondo - Vivace
03:57
4.
Sonata in D minor: I. Allegro
04:42
5.
Sonata in D minor: II. Adagio
04:36
6.
Sonata in D minor: III. Tempo di minuet
02:16
7.
Sonata in D minor: IV. Allegro
03:35
8.
Sonata in A major: I. Allegretto
03:39
9.
Sonata in A major: II. Adagio
02:21
10.
Sonata in A major: III. Presto
01:35
11.
Sonata in D minor / D major: I. Arpeggio
01:50
12.
Sonata in D minor / D major: II. Fuga
03:34
13.
Sonata in D minor / D major: III. Adagio
03:26
14.
Sonata in D minor / D major: IV. Allegro
01:53
15.
Sonata in D major: I. Andante
03:32
16.
Sonata in D major: II. Tempo di minuet
02:57

Total time: 00:50:26

Additional information

Label

SKU

TTK0125

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Release DateDecember 22, 2023

Press reviews

NativeDSD Blog | HRAudio

(…) There is not enough recorded material available to compare with, but after having listened to this phenomenal Gamba player, there is no doubt in my mind about Ralph Rousseau being one of Carl Friedrich Abel’s best advocates. His tonal mastery is impeccable. His pitch security, playing without vibrato, matches that of the very best. By almost scientifically searching the emotional depths of each of the Sonatas, and carefully phrasing the melodious strands, the listener is familiarized with Abel’s intrinsic motivations. A wonderful experience. And what’s more, a Viola da Gamba is meant to sing. And it does. Thanks to Rousseau’s sensitive handling of the bow. (…)

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