Johann Sebastian Bach's surviving output for the viola da gamba is not very extensive, being limited to just the three Sonatas BWV 1027-1029. These are often played on the gamba's better integrated cousin, the cello. Gambist
Hille Perl has been through the three canonical Bach gamba sonatas before for Hänssler Classics; what this new Deutsche Harmonia Mundi disc offers is two "new" Bach works for the gamba that may be surmised from scores written for solo cello, violin, and harpsichord and a new spin on the Gamba Sonata BWV 1029. So in a sense these are all "premiere" Bach recordings that are nonetheless made up of music that is already familiar.
Novelty aside, Per la viola da gamba is a solid, entirely satisfying, and authoritative-sounding hour of Bach. In particular, the gamba and lute transformation of Bach's "doubtful" Violin Sonata, BWV 1025, utilizing Sylvius Leopold Weiss' original lute part and transposing the Bach's violin part down an octave, sounds more natural and authentic than the familiar "doubtful" version. The Sonata BWV 1029 is played as a trio with continuo, and this approach lends a concertato effect to the sonata, which works well due to the obviously close relationship between this work and Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 3.
Think you're all tapped out on J.S. Bach and that there's no more "great" Bach to be discovered?
Perl and her colleagues will make you a believer. Per la viola da gamba is recorded in excellent sound and comes with helpful and detailed notes written mostly by
Perl herself. This is an excellent disc that recommends itself.