Bach: Complete Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin

Arthur Grumiaux was among the most elegant and refined violinists who ever recorded. This doesn’t preclude his playing the famous Chaconne with lots of power, which he does. But it means hearing Bach with all technical difficulties minimized to give you a clear view of the music. Sometimes, as in Joseph Szigeti’s late recordings (Vanguard Classics OVC 8021/2), there is a sense of struggle between the violin and the music that for more dramatic Bach. Grumiaux allows you to hear everything Bach put into the music, and it all sounds beautiful. –Leslie Gerber