Ensemble Diderot
Ensemble Diderot, praised by Gramophone for its 'warm timbre and razor-sharp definition', has built a reputation in recent years as one of the most prominent European authentically informed chamber music ensembles. Four musicians centered around violinist and founder Johannes Pramsohler form the core of the group, which is based in Paris. They dedicate themselves to exploring and performing the Baroque chamber music repertoire, of which the trio sonata—a sonata for two melody instruments and basso continuo—forms an important part.
Trio Sonatas
When Johann Sebastian Bach taught Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, one of his most gifted pupils, he likely made use of the organ trios that had also contributed to the musical development of his sons. In Bach's time, the trio sonata was considered the ultimate test of a composer's craftsmanship. This important chamber music form from the 17th and 18th centuries forms the core of Ensemble Diderot's repertoire. The four musicians are tireless in their quest through catalogues and have built up an impressive collection of trio sonatas, including forgotten treasures as well as iconic masterpieces. They will perform a number of these this afternoon.