Bach: Partita No. 2, BWV 1004 | Gidon Kremer (violin)

It is world famous and remains mysterious: The Partita for Solo Violin No. 2 in D minor (BWV 1004) by Johann Sebastian Bach – the partita with the famous “Ciaccona” (also known as Chaconne). Gidon Kremer plays in front of the gleaming gold altar of the Church of St. Nikolaus in Lockenhaus, Burgenland. The recording dates from 2006.

(00:00) Allemanda
(04:17) Courante
(06:42) Sarabande
(10:13) Gigue
(14:16) Chaconne (Ciaccona)

With the Violin Partita No. 2 in D minor, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 - 1750) left a riddle for posterity, since the strikingly asymmetrical structure of this suite has always been somewhat of a mystery. The Partita No. 2 begins with the usual four suite movements Allemande, Courante, Sarabande, Gigue and culminates in a “Ciaccona”, which is so expansive that it is about as long as the previous movements put together.

The Ciaccona is also peculiar in its form. It is based on a sombre figure in the bass voice – repeated a total of 32 times, as if circling around itself – while the melody moves freely across just as many variations. Bach’s take on the Ciaccona, which is traditionally a rather cheerful dance in a major key, is a complex set of variations beginning in D minor, shifting into major for ten variations at its heart, before switching back into minor. The multifaceted variation technique turns the Ciaccona into a glitteringly colorful piece of music, in which, however, the subdued minor character predominates.

The origin story of the Partita No. 2 could give a clue as to why it is so unusual: After a long period of official travel, Bach had returned home to Köthen in 1720 to learn that his wife had passed away (and had already been buried) during his absence. Researchers disagree as to whether his second partita, and in particular its fifth movement, the Ciaccona, is a testament to Bach’s personal grief.

But regardless of what is known about the circumstances in which the Partita No. 2 was created: Its fifth movement is among the key works of music history. Renowned violinist Yehudi Menuhin has said of Bach’s Ciaccona that it is the greatest form in existence for solo violin. From a technical standpoint, the Ciaccona is one of the most difficult pieces in the violin oeuvre. The profound, virtuoso piece was disregarded for a long time before being “rediscovered” by Robert Schumann, who added piano accompaniment. Since then, Bach’s Ciaccona has been transcribed a good 200 times for numerous instruments.

© Gidon Kremer, finkernagel&lück medienproduktion, EuroArts Music International

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[manuelnuman]

The pinnacle of musical creation by J.S. Bach rendered by an interpreter that surpasses all human possibilities. Is like watching a wizard perform miracles in the physical world.

[baerkooner]

attended his live concert 5 years ago. it was the best experiences i've ever had. Such an under-rated maestro! Those commercially successesful performancers all lack his depth, force, passion and skill.

[nancylee]

The profundity of life and human experience is contained within this partita and Gidon Kremer masterfully shows us as no other. I drown in the emotional depths of the chaconne every time I hear this recording.

[francisct.restesan]

The true master of us all: Gidon Kremer!

[Egill]

It is especially soothing and calming when you listen to all 6 of them - I mean Bach's cello suites or violin partitas.

[ВладимирЗахаров-ъй]

Выдающееся исполнение всей партиты. Слушается без всяких отключений на виртуозность ( которая у Гидона Кремера просто естественна!) все линии многоголосия увлекают и сознание погружается в музыкальную ткань полностью. Браво!

[tolgabarandilek]

There should be more old school violinists like him

[juanpablogomollongarcia]

Hipnótica y fascinante interpretación. Nunca se acaba; su eco permanece dentro de nosotros en un ciclo sin fin.

[Lee_music]

That was quite astonishing. Genius composer and a superb performance.

[themovingintosleepmethod]

Wonderful performance! Brings back a memory from 1990 when he gave a concert in Turku, Finland with Kim Kashkashian (viola) and one of the pieces he would play was a contemporary duo with himself, as he had recorded the 2nd violin on cassette, but the cassette was missing, so Kim borrowed my violin and played the 2nd violin part behind the scenes through microphone so that nobody in the audience would notice what happened. Only I, the manager and few others knew.

[jacquesderegnaucourt]

Dans la pléthore d'enregistrements de ce chef-d'oeuvre absolu, j'entends ici une proposition d'une honnêteté, d'une lucidité et d'une authentique singularité qui m'émeuvent au plus haut niveau. Mille mercis, Maestro !!!

[ВладимирФесюн-гя]

Чудове виконання, браво маєстро-Ви надихаєте, життя переможе!Я з України.

[CarlosRamirez-idul]

Simplemente extraordinario, quede estupefacto ante tal interpretación, Bravo maestro Kremer

[TheSiegfriedkim]

Sorgenlos einfach musizieren.Grossartig!

[nazgul]

Это выдающееся, эмоциональнейшее исполнение. И какой красивый финал, когда Гидон поворачивактся к алтарю. Это такой маленький элемент драматургии всего выступления, но он заслуживает отдельной овации!

[notaire]

Wunderschöne und detaillierte Aufführung dieses perfekt komponierten Meisterwerks in verschiedenen Tempi mit seidigem doch gut phrasiertem Tön der technisch fehlerlosen Solovioline und mit sorgfältig kontrollierter Dynamik. Die Doppelgriffe klingen besonders schön und echt melodisch. Wahrlich intelligenter und genialer Violinist!

[osvaldocapella]

Nunca escuché a Bach tocado con tanta emoción. Maravilloso!!! Gracias desde Argentina!!!

[alexgarcia]

Cómo es posible que una emisora que ofrece de lo mejor en Música, se dedique con tanto empeño en promover guerras. En fin creo que hay esperanza y DW optará sinceramente por la Paz.

[ИоганИоганович-вл]

Во время войны С.Рихтер был на концерте М.Юдиной. После концерта зашёл в артистическую и спросил - Почему так жёстко? ` «Так война» -ответила Юдина. Правда эта запись 2006 г.

[michaelauest]

I first encountered Gidon on a cassette of Vivaldi. I loved the music but the sound, not so much. This is enthralling! I know the music and have "opinions" of performances. This is really nice!