Gabriel Bianco - J.S. Bach: Violin Sonata No. 2 (BWV 1003)

If there’s any problem with the video just tell me. thanks In the case of the Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, Bach alternated three sonatas with three partitas. The partitas consist of between five and eight dance movements, while the sonatas are in four movements, none of which is a dance except the third movement of the first sonata, in G minor, which is a Siciliana. Throughout these six works there is evidence of not only Bach’s knowledge of the technical capabilities of the violin, but also of his ability to create dense counterpoint and effective harmony with one stringed instrument. The solo violin sonatas were first published between 1817 and 1828. A rhapsodic Grave opens the second Sonata in A minor, BWV 1003. At such a slow tempo, the highly ornamented melody seems to meander at will, navigating a course of highly contrasting rhythms and decorative flourishes that release the melodic potential of the minor mode. The overall “free“ nature of the Grave makes it sound like a prelude to the ensuing movement. As in all three of the violin sonatas, the second movement, the central point of the piece, is a fugue. Daunting in both size and complexity, the Fugue pushes forward relentlessly, creating a dense contrapuntal web. Bach sets the third movement apart from the others through both an Andante tempo and contrasting key. The writing is more homophonic here, with a calm melody that provides a needed foil to the harsh energy of the preceding Fugue. A lively, lighthearted Allegro, rich with rhythmic and melodic variations, returns to A minor and closes the piece. Grave (0:00) Fuga (3:54) Andante (10:52) Allegro (15:23) Gabriel Bianco, France GFA 2008 Winner Performance Guitar: Cedar top Greg Smallman 2006, Australia Same Concert: - Fernando Sor: Variations on a theme by Mozart - Agustín Barrios: La Catedral - Agustín Barrios: Julia Florida - Giulio Regondi: Introduction et Caprice