For over thirty years, Paolo Pandolfo has been one of the leading soloists on the viola da gamba. His deep love for the instrument has led to an intensive exploration of both its historical and expressive possibilities.
After gaining experience in both jazz and classical music, Pandolfo entered the world of early music around 1979, together with violinist Enrico Gatti and harpsichordist Rinaldo Alessandrini. He studied with Jordi Savall at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis and was a member of Hespèrion XX from 1982 to 1990, performing worldwide and making numerous recordings.
His solo career gained momentum in 1990 with the release of the C.P.E. Bach sonatas for viola da gamba. In the same year, he was appointed professor at the Schola Cantorum Basiliensis, where he has since continued the tradition of research and teaching in early music.
Pandolfo has an extensive discography, focusing on solo repertoire for the viola da gamba, including works by Marais, Forqueray, Sainte-Colombe, Hume, Abel, and J.S. Bach. His transcription of Bach’s Six Cello Suites is considered an essential addition to any Bach discography.
His fascination with historical improvisation led to projects such as Improvisando: the Jazz of the 17th Century. He also explores modern compositions, including Travel Notes and Violatango. His recordings have received awards from leading music publications.
Recent projects include Regina Bastarda, a study of virtuosic Italian gamba music around 1600, and A Sentimental Journey, featuring pre-classical sonatas by Carl Friedrich Abel. He also recorded the complete Lyra Viol works of Alfonso Ferrabosco (To the World).
Pandolfo performs and gives masterclasses around the globe. His mission is to build bridges between past and present, blending historical authenticity with spontaneous expression and improvisation.