One of the milestones of the violin repertoire are the six sonatas and partitas J.S. Bach wrote for unaccompanied violin. As with the six solo suites for cello, these are fabulous contrapuntal works that put the player’s virtuosity and musicality to the test.
It’s rare to hear them played together, but members of the Utah Symphony will do just that as part of the Westminster Concert Series. Split into two concerts, the first will take place Monday. Playing are symphony colleagues David Langr (Sonata No. 1 in G minor); Veronica Kulig (Partita No. 1 in B minor); and Lynnette Stewart (Sonata No. 2 in A minor).
Contacted by Reichel Recommends, Stewart had this to say about the unaccompanied
Lynnette Stewart
works by Bach: “My first introduction to the solo works of Bach were the cello suites. I had never heard anything so beautiful and captivating. Whenever I need to escape into the listening world, the cello suites are my first choice with the Fournier recording at the top of the list.
“That being said, I was then introduced to the sonatas and partitas for solo violin. These are definitely a lifetime achievement for violinists. Lifetime meaning we have these pieces with us for our entire career, learning technical skills, chordal techniques and, most importantly, how to interpret the music of Bach.
“I appreciate this opportunity to focus on one of these sonatas. It is always a challenge, but very rewarding in the preparation.”
The second concert, with symphony violinists Yuki MacQueen, David Porter and Stephanie Cathcart, takes place on Jan. 30, 2012.
CONCERT INFO:
What: Bach Unaccompanied Violin, Part I
Venue: Vieve Gore Concert Hall, Westminster College
Time and Date: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14
Tickets: $15 general, free for students
Phone: 801-832-2457