Johann Philipp Krieger: XII Sonate a doi (Band II)

Johann Philipp Krieger (1645-1725), who initially studied in his home town of Nuremberg, then in Denmark and Italy, was a highly regarded composer and Kapellmeister. During his forty years as Kapellmeister in Weissenfels, he composed over 2000 vocal works. In comparison, the number of his preserved instrumental works is rather small. Beside the two printed collections, each containing twelve trio sonatas for two violins and harpsichord or violin, viola da gamba, and harpsichord, respectively, only two additional works have come down to us in manuscripts.

The present twelve sonatas op. 2 display Krieger’s entire stylistic spectrum: influences from northern Germany with solo sections for violin and viola da gamba contrast with central German stylistic elements. But Italian influences, with their lithesome themes, are also to be found. This leads time and again to surprising variety within a sonata. Moreover, Krieger made an effort to lend each sonata its own character. A charming opus on the threshold to the High Baroque!

Edited by Hans Bergmann

Band II

Sonata Settima        B-Dur
Sonata Ottava          g-Moll
Sonata Nona            g-Moll
Sonata Decima        A-Dur
Sonata Undecima    D-Dur
Sonata Duodecima  D-Dur