J.S. Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for Solo Violin, BWV 1001-1006

Featuring

Leoš Čepický
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Performer Biography

Leoš Čepický, the violinist on this recording, was a founding member of the Wihan Quartet, which won the prestigious Prague Spring Competition in 1988 and the London International String Quartet Competition in 1991.

Compositional Technique

The Sonatas and Partitas contain hidden meanings and numerical symbolism, elevating them to a philosophical and spiritual plane.

Composition History

The Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin were composed over a period of time, with Bach starting around 1703 and completing the set by 1720.

Compositional Technique

The original title of these works, 'Sei solo a Violino senza Basso accompagnato,' explicitly states that they are for solo violin without continuo accompaniment, which was unusual for the time.

Composition History

Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin, along with his solo cello suites, are considered among his most respected compositions for instrumental music.

Compositional Technique

The overall structure of the cycle demonstrates proportional balance, determined by the Golden Section (the ratio of 1 to 1.618), a feature found in many supreme works of art.

Composer Biography

Johann Sebastian Bach's post as Kapellmeister at the court of Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen was his only engagement not tied to church music, allowing him to focus on instrumental works.