Early Music Backing Tracks

Frequently asked questions

Which instruments am I hearing on the backing tracks?

Most of the instruments used are ‘virtual’; sample sets of historical instruments run via the innovative Hauptwerk software. Most of the harpsichord and organ sounds were sampled by Sonus ParadisiTo add a new question go to app settings and press "Manage Questions" button.

So, am I hearing a computer?

Yes … and No! The performances are by a real person, skilled in the art of continuo playing. The recordings are then manipulated to produce versions in varying tempi, temperaments and tempi.

What’s the difference between continuo and accompaniment?

‘Continuo’ refers to the form of accompaniment used from the late 16th to late 18th centuries where a chordal instrument such as organ, harpsichord or lute would play the bass line of a work, filling in the harmonies. Musicians used numbers to indicate which harmonies to play (‘figured bass’) and the chordal instruments were often joined by melodic bass instruments on the bass line (e.g. cello, viola da gamba, bassoon). Whereas modern accompaniments indicate the exact pitches for the keyboard player’s right hand, they don’t allow for the huge variety and freedom expected by musicians of the time.

Why are there different pitches available for the pieces?

In today’s world of music-making there are many different approaches to performing early music: the variety of pitches available in each album accommodates beginners, students, as well as professionals who choose to play using historically appropriate pitches and temperaments.

Backing Track demos

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Tuning Tracks

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Backing Tracks

Backing Track: Vivaldi – Violin Sonata in G, op. 2, no. 8, RV23

Backing Track: Parcham - Solo in G for Recorder

Backing Track: Bach – Gamba Sonata no.3 in G min, BWV 1029 - Piano Accompaniment

Backing Track: Bach – Recorder Sonata in A minor, BWV 1020 - Piano Accompaniment

Backing Track: Bach – Flute/Oboe Sonata in G minor, BWV 1020

Backing Track: Bach – Recorder Sonata in G minor, BWV 1034 - Piano Accompaniment

Backing Track: Bach – Flute Sonata in E minor, BWV 1034 - Piano Accompaniment

Backing Track: Telemann – Methodical Sonata No.1, Recorder version

Backing Track: Telemann – Methodical Sonata No.2, Recorder Version

Backing Track: Telemann – Methodical Sonata No.4, Recorder version in F

Backing Track: Telemann – Methodical Sonata No.4, TWV 41:D3

Backing Track: Telemann – Methodical Sonata No.2, TWV 41:A3

Backing Track: Telemann – Methodical Sonata No.1, TWV 41:g3

Backing Track: Daniel Purcell – Recorder Sonata no. 2 in D minor

Backing Track: Daniel Purcell – Recorder Sonata no. 1 in F

Backing Track: Marcello – Cello Sonata in C, op. 1, no.5

Backing Track: Marcello – Cello Sonata in G minor, op. 1, no.4

Backing Track: Marcello – Cello Sonata in A minor, op. 1, no.3

Backing Track: Marcello – Cello Sonata in E minor, op. 1, no. 2

Backing Track: Bach – Recorder Sonata in G minor, BWV 1034

Backing Track: Bellinzani - Sonata for Recorder in B-flat, op. 3, no.9

Backing Track: Bellinzani - Sonata for Recorder in C minor, op. 3, no. 8

Backing Track: Vivaldi – Violin Sonata in D RV 810

Hotteterre – Flute Sonata in E minor, op. 2, no.4 (A=440)

Hotteterre – Flute Sonata in E minor, op. 2, no.4 (A=415)

Hotteterre – Flute Sonata in E minor, op. 2, no.4 (A=392)

Backing Track: Marcello – Cello Sonata in F, op. 1, no.1

Backing Track: Vivaldi – Recorder Sonata in G RV 806

Backing Track: Leclair - Sonata for Violin or Flute in E minor, op. 9, no.2

Backing Track: Blavet - Sonata in D minor, op.2, no.2

Backing Track: Mancini - Sonata for Recorder no. 2, in E minor

Backing Track: Mancini - Sonata for Recorder no. 1, in D minor

Backing Track: Telemann – Recorder/Flute Sonata in F, TWV 41:F2

Backing Track: Telemann – Recorder Sonata in C, TWV 41:C2

Backing Track: Chédeville - Sonata no. 6 in G min (Il pastor fido)

Backing Track: Mancini - Sonata for Recorder no. 11, in G minor

Backing Track: Telemann - Recorder Sonata in A minor, TWV 41:a4

Backing Track: Handel – Recorder Sonata in B-flat, HWV 377

Backing Track: Handel – Flute Sonata in D, HWV 378

Backing Track: Eccles – Sonata for Violin (or cello, bass) no.11 in G minor

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Frequently asked questions

Which instruments am I hearing on the backing tracks?

So, am I hearing a computer?

What’s the difference between continuo and accompaniment?

Why are there different pitches available for the pieces?