Description

Bach's Sei Solo a Violino senza Basso accompagnato, comprising three Sonatas and three Partitas for unaccompanied violin, was completed by 1720, with its origins possibly tracing back to 1703. These works emerged during his tenure as Kapellmeister at the court of Köthen, where Prince Leopold of Anhalt-Köthen, a Calvinist with minimal need for liturgical music and a passion for music, inspired Bach to create a wealth of instrumental compositions for both public and private enjoyment. The complexity, expressive depth, and scale of these pieces were unprecedented, exemplified by the intricate chords and rhythmic patterns of the B minor Partita's opening Allemanda, as well as the innovative variations in its 'doubles.' The D minor Partita's concluding Ciaccona stands out as potentially the longest independent movement of its time, showcasing a remarkable array of contrasts across its 64 variations. As a skilled violinist himself, Bach transformed the landscape of virtuosic and expressive possibilities for the instrument. This Urtext edition by Max Rostal from Edition Peters is an essential addition to any violinist's collection.