Marc-Antoine Charpentier (1634-1704)
Sonate for Eight Instruments

This edition is based on a copy of the manuscript from the Bibliotecque Nationale in Paris, believed to be in Charpentier's own hand. The manuscript comprises eight separate parts; there is no score. The piece is in the form of a suite, with sections labeled Grave, Recit de viole, Sarabande, Recit de Basse de Violon, Bouree, Gavote, Passecaille, Chaconne. It is unique in that the second and third sections are solos for viola da gamba with continuo; the next two are solos for basse de violon (cello) with continuo. Charpentier specifically designated harpsichord and theorbo as the continuo, including separate parts for each in the manuscript, although the parts were virtually identical.

View a sample page from the score.