J.S. Bach - Sonatas & Partitas

"Recording Bach's complete Six Sonatas and Partitas has long been a dream of mine," says violinist Augustin Hadelich. "They are formidable tests of technical ability and stamina, but also of musical imagination and expressive range - they never cease to provide challenges, hope, and joy."

As he explains, "The music world came to a standstill in March 2020. The lockdown period, with its difficult emotions and feelings of uncertainty, was the perfect time to delve into Bach's masterpieces and to undertake the enormous project of recording the whole set."

For his interpretation, sensitive to historical practice, Hadelich chose to use a baroque bow. "It was a revelation," he says. "Passages of three- and four-note chords felt more fluid ... The dance movements danced more and the slow movements sang more."

The pinnacle of these works for solo violin is the Ciaccona or Chaconne from the Partita No 2 in D minor. "On top of a descending bassline, repeated 64 times, Bach erects towering structures, creates moments of anguish and sorrow, and leads us to moments of introspection and bliss," says Hadelich. "It feels like a journey through life itself ... The Chaconne might be the greatest piece ever written for the violin."