This recording presents the chorale variations for solo viola da gamba by an anonymous 17th c. master, collected in the so-called Berlin Gamba Book. Only the initials of the arranger are known – ‘J.R.’ – but this was clearly someone of passion and discernment who transformed hymns into instrumental music that preserves the solemnity and gravitas of the originals. Dietmar Berger’s recording of the Manchester Gamba Book (8.572863-64) was acclaimed as ‘a considerable achievement by any standard’ (Gramophone). In addition to having appeared on numerous television and CD recordings, Mr. Berger’s compositions and arrangements have seen publication by two German publishing concerns.
