Metamorphoses. J.S. Bach: Toccata, Partita and Suites for Solo Violin

Featuring

Marco Serino
Johann Sebastian Bach

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Instruments

Marco Serino performs on a Nicolò Amati violin from Cremona, dated 1661, which was previously owned by the famous Norwegian violinist Ole Bull.

Performer Biography

Marco Serino, the violinist on this album, was Ennio Morricone's chosen violinist for 20 years and has a strong connection to Baroque music, especially Bach.

Compositional Technique

Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin are considered unrivalled in complexity and aesthetic value, exploring virtual polyphony on a melodic instrument.

Composer Biography

J.S. Bach was an expert violinist, playing "in a clear and distinct manner" and maintaining order in the orchestra better than from the harpsichord, according to his son Carl Philipp Emanuel.

Compositional Technique

The Ciacona (Chaconne) from Partita No. 2 is a monumental piece of 256 bars, built on a solid mathematical basis of a four-beat pattern relentlessly multiplied.

Interpretation

This recording features Marco Serino's own transcriptions for violin of the Toccata con fuga and two cello suites, transposed a fifth higher.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Bach's fascination with metamorphosis and transcription meant he spent his entire life recomposing his own works, viewing it as a creative activity and a path of knowledge.