Symbols analysis of Johann Sebastian Bach's G Minor Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord Sonata

Johann Sebastian Bach rearranged a trio originally written for two flutes and bass and composed three sonatas for viola da gamba and harpsichord. According to Spitta, the g minor sonata, which is the third one of viola da gamba and harpsichord sonatas, is the piece that has the highest beauty and the most stunning originality (1951, p. 118). In Bach's compositions, there are no indications, such as tempo and nuance signs that which help the instrumentalist for interpretation the piece correctly. Because of this, it is hard to perceive and perform accurately of Bach compositions. Nonetheless, in 1936 German musicologist Albert Schweitzer noticed that Bach utilized quatations from Bible in his cantatas and created specific motives according to the sentence expressions of cantatas by reflecting his religious ideas. Subsequently, Russian musicologist V. B. Nosina exposed the symbols of Bach's 48 Preludes and Fuges in his book named "Symbols in Johann Sebastian Bach's Music". In the light of the examinations and analyses of symbols, finding the accurate character and expression of Bach music has the major importance in the way of interpretation according to the Bach's ideas and performing the piece correctly. In this thesis, the symbols of Bach's No.3 G Minor Viola da Gamba and Harpsichord Sonata will be examined and emerged according to the significated symbols which are indicated in the books of Schweitzer and Nosina.