Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for Unaccompanied Violin

Johann Sebastian Bach (Composer), Nathan Milstein (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Nathan Milstein
• Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
• Audio CD (July 20, 1993)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B000002S52
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #311,603 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001: I: Adagio

2. Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001: II: Fuga (Allegro)

3. Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001: III: Siciliana

4. Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001: IV: Presto

5. Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002: I: Allemanda--

6. Partita No. 1 In G Minor, BWV 1001: Double

7. Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002: II: Corrente--

8. Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002: Double (Presto)

9. Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002: III: Sarabande--

10. Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002: Double

See all 16 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: I: Allemanda

2. Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: II: Corrente

3. Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: III: Sarabanda

4. Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: IV: Giga

5. Partita No. 2 In D Minor, BWV 1004: V: Chaccone

6. Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005: I: Adagio

7. Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005: II: Fuga

8. Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005: III: Largo

9. Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005: IV: Allegro assai

10. Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006: I: Preludio

See all 16 tracks on this disc

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Milstein in the mind of God or Bach, March 28, 2001

By 

Jeremy J. Shapiro (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for Unaccompanied Violin (Audio CD)

I agree with the previous reviewer. Not only have I never heard any performance of the Bach solo violin sonatas and partitas that compares with Milstein's, but I find it impossible to listen to this performance without the experience that Milstein is playing them directly as they exist(ed) in the mind of God or of Bach, depending on what you believe in. The performance is transparent: you don't even notice that a human being is technically performing the pieces, there is just direct communion between you and the music. An awesome achievement on Milstein's part.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the greatest interpretation!!, September 8, 2000

By 

W. Crone "classical junkie" (Northern CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for Unaccompanied Violin (Audio CD)

This complete cycle of sonatas and partitas is, in my opinion, the best version of all. Mr. Milstein plays so wonderfully and with much energy without losing focus or depth. Many people like his later 70's recording(s) but I prefer this above all. A fantastic interpretation!

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect as usual, February 25, 2003

By 

nagase (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for Unaccompanied Violin (Audio CD)

This is the first of the 2 recordings Milstein made of the Bach Sonatas and Partitas. Personally, I think this earlier recording is better; it was more spontaneous, more creative thinking, and originality. That is not to say that Milstein purposely "distorted" the vision that is Bach, but merely that there are some subtle details that are quite characteristically Milstein's own, which enhance the works. For instance, the Fugue in the G Minor Sonata (probably the most popular), Milstein chooses to play a bit off the string, to give it bounce and lightness. Collectively, this is a really good recording. As could be expected from Milstein, he performs with elegance and grace, with a beautifully rounded tone and technical mastery. Heifetz also did some very creative things with his versions of the Bach Sonatas. But I would choose the Milstein over Heifetz, because Heifetz, with all of his virtuosity, makes the works his, and so somewhat betrays the Bach style. Milstein never does that; yes, his interpretation is very creative, but he adheres to the Baroque style. This is a must for any serious student of the violin.