Carl Friedrich Abel (1723–1787) was a German composer and virtuoso of the viola da gamba, remembered as one of the last great exponents of the instrument. Born in Köthen, he was the son of Christian Ferdinand Abel, a musician in the court orchestra once directed by J.S. Bach. Abel’s early exposure to music within this distinguished environment shaped his refined style and command of counterpoint, while his career later flourished in London, where he became a prominent figure in the city’s cultural life.

Abel is best known for his partnership with Johann Christian Bach in organising the famous Bach-Abel Concerts (1765–1781), the first subscription concerts in London, which greatly influenced the city’s musical culture. These gatherings introduced audiences to both established and contemporary works, laying foundations for the public concert tradition. Abel’s music reflects the elegance and clarity of the galant style, bridging the late Baroque and early Classical periods. His compositions emphasise lyrical melody, balanced phrasing, and transparent textures, qualities that made them appealing to both connoisseurs and amateur performers.

This 3-CD set offers reissues of successful Brilliant Classics recordings with works by Abel: works for flute and orchestra, a symphony, concertos for harpsichord, viola da gamba and orchestra, trio sonatas and sonatas for viola da gamba and B.C.

Performers include Nordic Affect (with flautist Georgia Browne), La Spagna Baroque Orchestra (Alejandro Marías) and viola da gamba player Marco Casonato and Massimo Marchese (theorbo).

“Affectionate explorations of seldom performed pieces by mid-18th century composer” – BBC Music Magazine about Nordic Affect