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J.S. Bach: The Sonatas and Partitas for Violin Solo |  | Creator: Johann Sebastian Bach
Label: Ecm Records
Category: Music
List Price: $35.98
Buy New: $34.98
as of 7/29/2010 15:17 CDT details
You Save: $1.00 (3%)
Seller: Amazon.com
Rating:  reviews
Sales Rank: 31358
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 2
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 5.4 x 5 x 0.6
UPC: 028947672913
EAN: 0028947672913
ASIN: B000A2WF3S
Release Date: October 11, 2005
Shipping: Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping
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| Tracks:
Disc 1
| • | Sonata No.1 In G Minor | | • | Sonata No.1 In G Minor | | • | Sonata No.1 In G Minor | | • | Sonata No.1 In G Minor | | • | Partita No.1 In B Minor | | • | Partita No.1 In B Minor | | • | Partita No.1 In B Minor | | • | Partita No.1 In B Minor | | • | Partita No.1 In B Minor | | • | Partita No.1 In B Minor | | • | Partita No.1 In B Minor | | • | Partita No.1 In B Minor | | • | Sonata No.2 In A Minor | | • | Sonata No.2 In A Minor | | • | Sonata No.2 In A Minor | | • | Sonata No.2 In A Minor |
Disc 2
| • | Partita No.2 In D Minor | | • | Partita No.2 In D Minor | | • | Partita No.2 In D Minor | | • | Partita No.2 In D Minor | | • | Partita No.2 In D Minor | | • | Sonata No.3 In C Major | | • | Sonata No.3 In C Major | | • | Sonata No.3 In C Major | | • | Sonata No.3 In C Major | | • | Partita No.3 In E Major | | • | Partita No.3 In E Major | | • | Partita No.3 In E Major | | • | Partita No.3 In E Major | | • | Partita No.3 In E Major | | • | Partita No.3 In E Major | | • | Partita No.3 In E Major |
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| Customer Reviews:
A Master's Performance January 13, 2010
Alan Lekan (Boulder, CO)
Now here is a disc for classical afficiandos to thrill over. Germany virtuosso Gidon Kremer's lifetime study and performance of Bach's eternal compositions comes to fruition in this dynamic, unique and breathtaking recording. As others note, it is different but different in a good way. I found myself immediately drawn into these sometimes thorny works to novice ears and taken deep into their mysteries and profoundness. Not that I can explain the drawing - it was just that I kept playing the recordings over and over.
Normally many cannot listen to an entire disc of such solo violin in one sitting, but with Kremer's probing interpretations, it seemed easy and satistfying in a unique way. While I admire Rachal Podgers sunny suites and appreciate all the historic recordings and fresh new recordings by the new generation violinists, there was something powerful about a lifelong student of Bach putting his final mark on some of the most profound compositions for violin ever composed. Same can be said about Milstein, Szernyg and other past greats, but I was draw more to Kremer's readings. Bewitching quality to them and showing a brilliant mastery of the instrument which is by the way a powerful Guaneri del Gesu (the "Ex-David") made in 1730. The journey of such an ancient, legendary instrument from the Italian workman's shop in early 18th century to Gidon Kremer in the 21st century is truly amazing to consider.
Part of the draw is the truly powerful and amazing sound quality of the ECM recording which is one of the best I own out of 1000 discs. It is like Mr Kremer is right in your room. A big "wow" factor. This is a disc worth paying full price if you a a student of Bach or fan of Kremer. Listen, marvel and enter into an amazing journey of the intersection of two great musical masters - Bach and Kremer. Compositions - 5 stars; Performance - 5 stars; Sound quality - 5 stars.
God's Will June 12, 2009
Izzet Gokhan Erten (Istanbul)
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
Bach was an exceptional gift to humanity, full of details, delicacy, grace. Can be considered as an exaggeration, but I believe God wished Kremer to play Bach. Many others play Bach, and Kremer plays. It is an ultimate expression of perfection, can not be explained by earthly concepts.
Kremer's re-examination of Bach's masterwork exploits the possibilities of silence and atmosphere August 10, 2008
Christopher Culver
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Considering my usual listening habits--the serialism of Boulez and other Darmstadt figures, the interference music of Per Norgard, and the ghostly weirdness of the spectralists--it's remarkable that the music of Bach attracts me so much. Yet, Bach wielded tonality like all my beloved 20th century figures made use of their systems. Bach doesn't just try accept tonality as a given and uncritically use it to construct some "story", a habit which makes so much of the Classical and Romantic eras sound stale for me. Rather, Bach delights in the structural possibilities of tonality, exploring it to its depths and building up ever vaster edifices of sound in perfect order. The Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin are an example of Bach as a creator of cosmic balance.
Composed in 1720, the collection contains three Partitas and three Sonatas. Of each group, the first two are in a minor key and the last in a major key. The Partitas can be seen as explorations of rhythm, being collections of dances. Thus one finds movements in the form of such old-time German cavorting as the allemande, courante, sarabande and gigue. The Sonatas are explorations of forms, being each in four movement, slow-fast-slow-fast, with the second being a fugue. Note that these pieces are not for everyone: conservative listeners who enjoy other Bach works often find the collection "dissonant" because of the astringent tone of a solo violin. You may want to listen to some sound samples before deciding to buy.
Gidon Kremer originally recorded the Sonatas and Partitas for Philips shortly after his arrival in the West. He felt driven to make a newer recording reflecting a mature mature view of the collection. For Kremer, Bach's violin solos are now about potent silence and exploitation of the performance space just as much as beautiful tonal order. It should come as no surprise that his self-financed recording was picked up by the ECM label, home to that kind of atmosphere. You can see the story behind this new take on the music on the Gidon Kremer - Back to Bach DVD. Those who were turned off by Kremer's breakneck performances of the Bach violin concertos on another old Philips disc will be pleased to hear that he takes a very smooth and reasonable pace here.
It is so wonderful! February 29, 2008
T. Q. Nguyen (Boston, MA)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Here is a recording of the Music Bible that is so very different for all others. It's not conventional but it is so not just to be different, to be eccentric. Mr. Kremer goes beyond the usual task of just creating beautiful sound on his violin to reach something far more important. Every movement, every dance is so much alive and refreshing that engages listeners to the music itself.
You do need an open mind and an open ear to enjoy this. I do have many recordings, two of Szeryng, of Tetzlaff, early Milstein, Enescu, and Luca, of this monumental work, yet this recording will stand by itself as far as music and inspiration are concerned.
Infinity's End! October 13, 2006
Faezal Yunus
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
Kremer beautifully states how a composition's interpretations could be infinite. Well, there could be many that even Bach couldn't have fathomed how brilliantly they could be executed. This, of all of them, may be considered as one of the BEST - Infinity's End!
The esoteric Chaconne apart, the standout track is the easily likeable and the most famous Prelude of Partita No. 3 (1006, E Major) - Kremer uses a breathtaking speed and has a God-like control over the dynamics - remarkable! Be it for collection of the entire Solo Violin Partitas and Sonatas or for simple listening pleasure of a brilliant interpretation, this is a must for all Bach connoisseurs.
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