Bach, J.S.: Sonaten und Partiten (Itzhak Perlman) (Triple Vinyl / 3LP)

This deluxe triple-vinyl set features Itzhak Perlman’s masterful performance of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin. Released by Warner Classics in a gatefold 3LP format, the record has been remastered (at Abbey Road in 2015) to bring out the full tonal richness and clarity of Perlman’s interpretations.

Across the three records, the full cycle is presented:

• Sonata No. 1 in G minor, BWV 1001


• Partita No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1004 (including the famous Ciaccona)


• Partita No. 1 in B minor, BWV 1002


• Partita No. 3 in E major, BWV 1006


• Sonata No. 2 in A minor, BWV 1003


• Sonata No. 3 in C major, BWV 1005

Perlman considered the score itself, rather than musicological trends, his foremost guide in interpretation - embracing the notion that “music is a language, and, performed responsively … it will make sense.”

This release stands not only as a tribute to Bach’s architectural mastery of the violin repertoire, but also as a showcase for Perlman’s technical command and expressive insight. Every nuance of Bach’s contrapuntal writing and emotional depth is presented with clarity, presence, and musical conviction.

Tracklist:

Side A:
Sonata no. 1 in G minor BWV1001
I. Adagio
II. Fuga: Allegro
III. Siciliana
IV. Presto
Partita no. 2 in D minor BWV1004
I. Allemanda
II. Courante

Side B:
III. Sarabande
IV. Gigue
V. Ciaccona

Side C:
Partita no. 1 in B minor BWV1002
I. Allemanda
II. Double
III. Courante
IV. Double
V. Sarabande
VI. Bourrée

Side D:
VII. Double
Partita no. 3 in E major BWV1006
I. Preludio
II. Loure
III. Gavotte en rondeau
IV. Menuet I
V. Menuet II
VI. Bourrée
VII. Gigue

Side E:
Sonata no. 2 in A minor BWV1003
I. Grave
II. Fuga
III. Andante
IV. Allegro

Side F:
Sonata no. 3 in C major BWV1005
I. Adagio
II. Fuga
III. Largo
IV. Allegro assai