Hyperion Records

The Trio Sonata in G major, BWV1039, is one of only two such trios with flute for which Bach’s authorship is secure—the other is that belonging to the Musical Offering (BWV1079). The present work, for two flutes and continuo, provided Bach with the material for his Sonata for viola da gamba and obbligato harpsichord in G major (BWV1027). The surviving autograph of the latter indicates a date of circa 1740 but, though the Trio Sonata with flutes may belong to the same period, it too possibly derives from an earlier version, perhaps for two violins. As the Bach scholar Christoph Wolff has justly remarked, neither version should be considered merely as an arrangement but understood rather as different means of expressing the same idea. The first movement is a lyrical ‘Adagio’ whose aria-like melody is at once appealing. The ‘Allegro ma non presto’ is a fugal piece, comparably engaging for its principal theme which is treated in various ways, and with virtuosity. The brief ‘Adagio e piano’ is wistfully expressive, providing an effective contrast with the energetic ‘Presto’ whose three-voice fugal exposition is intricate and exhilarating.

from notes by Nicholas Anderson © 2002