Discover outstanding recordings of Bach's music and some of the interesting details in Bach's works. Each episode is dedicate to one work by J.S. Bach.
http://www.biberfan.org/bachcast/
Bachcast 39: Sonata for solo violin in G minor, BWV 1001
Shownotes
- Chris Thile
- Gidon Kremer on ECM New Series
- Monica Huggett on Virgin Veritas
- Itzhak Perlman
- Amandine Beyer
- Helene Schmitt
- Rachel Podger on Channel Classics
- Viktoria Mullova
- Paul O'Dette
A lot of different versions of these work exist. I wanted you to get a sense of the differences among some strong contenders. I think the oldest recording is likely 1988 or 1989 by Perlman on EMI/Warner. Among my most favorite are the Kremer (modern violin) and Chris Thile (arrangement on mandolin).
Bach adopts a four-movement structure, positioning his fugue in second position. The fugue forces the performer to make some stylistic choices on how to render the accented chords that must be rolled across the strings.
How do you like vibrato? I like it when it's used as an ornament. I''m not a fan of any Baroque literature that is treated with a constant, regular vibrato. That said, I do like Kremer's apporach from a modern violinist's perspective.
The last movement is ripe for opportunities for accents of differnet levels, highighting the shape of the phrases. Huggett's recording for me is like a "zoomed-in" close up view with her approach; while it is not my favorite approach, I like how it makes me re-assess the music, thus helping me enjoy it even more deeply.
Also mentioned:
- Gunar Letzbor