Bach: Partita No. 1, BWV 1002 | Gidon Kremer (violin)

It is musical gold in every respect: the Partita for Solo Violin No. 1 in B minor (BWV 1002) by Johann Sebastian Bach, played by Gidon Kremer in front of the gleaming gold altar of the Church of St. Nikolaus in Lockenhaus, Burgenland. The recording dates from 2006. (00:00) Allemanda (04:37) Double (06:52) Courante (10:23) Double (13:45) Sarabande (17:01) Double (20:10) Tempo di Borea (23:38) Double Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) wrote his six partitas and sonatas for solo violin (BWV 1001-1006) around 1719/20 in Köthen. They demonstrate absolute virtuosity and are testimony to how familiar Bach was with the violin. Even without an accompanying bass line, they are characterized by dense counterpoint and refined harmony. While Bach’s great religious compositions faded into obscurity for a long time, his violin solo works always remained well known. However, they were used more as study works for violin playing rather than for their compositional value, since it was thought in times past that works for solo violin were not suitable as concert pieces. Violin Partita No. 1 is a four-movement suite with the typical movements of Allemande, Courante, and Sarabande. The fourth movement is not the usual Gigue but a Bourrée (tempo di borea). All four suite movements are followed by a double, which varies the respective movement in a faster tempo and with embellishments. If you want to get to know the essence of Bach’s counterpoint, listen to this concerto – and enjoy the virtuoso performance of the exceptional violinist Gidon Kremer! © Gidon Kremer, finkernagel&lück medienproduktion, EuroArts Music International Watch more concerts in your personal concert hall: and in our Bach playlist: Subscribe to DW Classical Music: #JohannSebastianBach #ViolinPartita #GidonKremer