Von Westhoff: Suites for Solo Violin

Featuring

Plamena Nikitassova
Johann Paul von Westhoff

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Interpretation

Plamena Nikitassova uses a historical playing technique for these suites, holding the violin on the left breast rather than the shoulder, as described in 17th-century German treatises.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Westhoff's Suites for unaccompanied violin boldly treat the violin as a chordal instrument capable of polyphonic playing, possibly inspired by his father's lute playing.

Historical Context

The emergence of basso continuo in the 17th century rapidly emancipated instruments from their vocal accompaniment role, encouraging musicians to explore their individual possibilities.

Composition History

Johann Paul Westhoff's Suites for Solo Violin, engraved in Dresden in 1696, are an important stage in the development of solo violin music that culminated in J.S. Bach's works.

Composer Biography

Westhoff's travels included a visit to Paris where he played for King Louis XIV, who was so impressed he titled the seventh movement of a suite 'La Guerre'.

Composer Biography

Johann Paul Westhoff, born in 1656, was the son of lutenist and trombonist Friedrich Westhoff, who had previously served as a captain of horse in the Swedish Army.