Customer Reviews

Bach: Sonatas & Partitas Vol 2 / Rachel Podger

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I have always been a casual fan of Bach, and, particularly, of his compositions for the violin. I first heard of this recording in an article on NPR radio and even through the tinny, crappy, car speakers, in the parking lot outside of my work, I was taken aback and overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of Ms. Poger's interpretations. I immediately purchased the CD. I sometime throw it on just for "background music", but I always find myself seated in front of the stereo, eyes closed, and totally enraptured. The sound quality is superb (hauntingly clear), and that adds to the enjoyment. Truly an emotional experience. One of my favorite CDs of all time.

This will be short review. This (and Volume 1, I count the two together) is a sensational recording. So full of life and beauty, truly a wonderful wonderful performance. And I am not normally much of a violin fan, preferring the cello. Buy both recordings, you will not regret it. Forget Manze, this one you will keep for a lifetime.

Technically, an excellent recording as well, I personally find old recordings, however well performed, hard to listen to because of the lack of fidelity. But still, there are few truly well recorded modern recordings. This is one of them.

As the old saying goes: one good turn deserves another. However in this case, both good turns were done by Channel Classics and Rachel Podger for the benefit of those among us who appreciate classical music. In what is essentially a continuation of her Bach, Sonatas and Partitas, Volume 1, Volume 2 brings us an additional selection of Miss Podger's finely wrought performances of old J.S.'s best work performed on her magnificent baroque violin.

Everything that can be said about the first volume can be said about the second. It is a delight, exhibiting the foundation of precise control necessary for any truly advanced performance of Bach's work while allowing gentleness and subtlety to flavor the essential piece. When Miss Podger's technical and interpretive skills, and her profound understanding of the works interweave with the softer tone of her gut stringed violin, the result is pure auditory ambrosia.

One does not often equate the name of Bach with sensuality, yet when Miss Podger plays, there is now better word to describe the sensation. Perhaps it is the sound of steel wrapped strings that has for so long kept so many in the impression that Bach's works are somewhat mechanical and have a retentive perfectionism as their main spirit. The use of the baroque violin with its gut strings does away with such notions. One wonders what Miss Podger could do with Vivaldi?

This is the type of recording that you will listen to again and again. Each time it is played, nuances previously unheard will make their presence known. This is not idle classical music; it should not be played at the office or in the car. This is the type of music best heard at home, lights low, fully relaxed, and sprawled on an accommodating horizontal surface - only then will its fullness be completely appreciated. However, some caution is needed when subjecting oneself so entirely to Miss Podger's playing. Such indulgences can be habit forming.

...CDs in my collection. My 11 year old son (normally into Nintendo 64, PC gaming and flag football) was tired, irritable and buried in pre-algebra homework. The first time I put this CD on he wandered into the room, sat down without a word and - as he listened - a look of weary calm came over him. Podger's playing is sublime. If you are starting a classical music collection, I commend this (& Volume 1) to you as being early contenders for your money.