Violas! A Rose by any other Name (9/17/26)

Dan McCarthy, viola d’amore, tenor viola, viola & Nicola Canzano, harpsichord 

This was the first concert of Gotham Early Music Scene's new fall season. Sonata No. 4 from Recueil de pièces – Attilo Ariosti (1666–1729) Pozato; Andante; Corrente; Air en Rondeau

Sonata in G Major, BWV 1027 – Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) Adagio; Allegro ma non tanto; Andante; Allegro Moderato

Passacaglia from The Mystery Sonatas – Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644–1704)

First, a word about the viola d'amore. It is larger than the viola you usually see, has six bowed strings, and six sympathetic strings (unbowed, but they amplify the sounds of the bowed strings). The first movement of the Ariosti sonata was straightforward and pleasant. The second was slower but not dowdy and had a rich sound. After some retuning, the third movement was definitely dance-like in a subdued way while the fourth was graceful and included odd starts and stops that were almost unsettling before a rather abrupt ending. 

The Bach was played on the tenor viola which is slightly larger than the viola you're used to seeing. Its first movement had a rich, full sound and was fairly stately. The second had a brief harpsichord intro and was a bit more lively as the viola joined in while the third had the harpsichord intro, then added the viola, and was slower and serious, with the two instruments contributing as equal partners. The fourth was also harpsichord then viola and was brisk but still in a serious vein. 

The von Biber was for solo viola and was played on the alto viola, the one you're probably used to. The work had a repetitive line in the lowest string with more intricate lines played on the upper strings. It was a very interesting and enjoyable piece, though it sort of wore out its welcome toward the end. 

Now a couple of notes about the composers. Ariosti was totally new to me; Bach and I are good buddies; and von Biber is a name I knew, but I think this was my first time hearing his music live. It seems that you can teach an old 'Meister new tricks.  ConcertMeister