Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin Main Performer or Conductor: Alex Deych Instrumentation: Viola Individual Works: Sonata No. 1 BWV 1001 Partita No. 1 BWV 1002 Sonata No. 2 BWV 1003 Partita No. 2 BWV 1004 Sonata No. 3 BWV 1005 Partita No. 3 BWV 1006 Format: Compact Disc Record Label: Independent Year Released/Recorded: 1999 Total Playing Time: 136:43 Comments: Alex Deych said: This double album is one of the only two recordings in existence, featuring Bach's complete Six Sonatas & Partitas for violin solo performed on viola. ..."The challenge is not the monodic (single-melody-line) movements, but the chordal works, namely the 3 Fugues and Chaconne. These are hard enough on violin, but with the larger stretches of the viola, most violists run away from the challenge. I know these pieces well, and they are old favorites (of mine). Mr. Deych's interpretation of them is profound, to say the least. These recordings of the Bach Unaccompanied are wonderful! And they are not spliced-during-movements, to achieve an "artificially perfect" recording, but are the best takes of whole-movements. In a few rare spots, there are a few out-of-tune chords, but no actually wrong notes. Musically they show great depth of interpretation, and endearing passion. The focus on the subtlest details show the heart of an artist, who I think should be remembered in history. Bravo to Mr. Alex Deych on these poetic and masterful Bach Unaccompanied recordings!" - "Bear" Thomas C. Woodson Composer at the University of Arizona Tucson, Arizona, USA Acknowledgements: Thank you to the following for submitting this recording and for your comments: Alex Deych Date First Submitted: 07/02/2002 Purchasing: Suggested Purchasing Sources Note: Inclusion in this database does not guarantee the availability of any recording. Some recordings may be out-of-print or no longer available.