Three hundred years ago Bach’s six Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin set new standards for composition and playing. Violinist Esther Hoppe describes them as both beloved and awe-inspiring companions. The B minor Partita is unique among this set of works for solo violin in that each of the four dances is followed by its
Double, that is a doubling but not an exact doubling, more a variation in shorter notes, to spectacular effect in the
Corrente. The E major Partita opens with one of the most famous movements of the entire set, a sizzling Prelude - bravura torrents of practically unceasing sixteenth notes. Five dance movements follow, first a slow and majestic French court dance, next the instantly recognisable Gavotte before two Minuets, the first one repeated, a brief
Bourée and an irresistible Gigue to close.
