Bach: Violin Sonatas & Partitas

Featuring

Christian Tetzlaff
Johann Sebastian Bach

Did you know?

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Compositional Technique

In his 1720 clean copy, Bach deliberately designed the 'P' for each Partita to subtly spell out 'Johann Sebastian,' especially for the second and third Partitas.

Composition History

The title page of Bach's 'Sei Solo' is often translated as 'Six Solos for Violin,' but a literal translation from Italian is 'You are alone,' which may lament the death of his first wife, Maria Barbara Bach.

Compositional Technique

Bach's original manuscript for these works is a playing copy with detailed bowing markings, which is rare for Baroque music and indicates how the musical 'conversation' develops.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach's six Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin describe a clear personal journey, moving from darkness and despair to acceptance, joy, and dancing.

Composer Biography

Johann Sebastian Bach was a very good violinist himself and was motivated to create something unprecedented with these works, showcasing his mastery of various forms.

Compositional Technique

The six Sonatas and Partitas form a cycle that begins on the G string in G minor and ends on the E string in E major, utilizing the violin's lowest and highest strings.

Performer Biography

Christian Tetzlaff, the violinist on this recording, founded his own string quartet in 1994 and considers chamber music as important as his solo work.