Listening Guide to Bach Sonatas and Partitas
J.S. Bach wrote six works for unaccompanied violin that together form the central library of solo violin repertoire: three sonatas of church-leaning seriousness and three partitas built from dance movements. This guide offers a practical map for hearing the set, with pointers toward Midori’s recordings and related writing on this site.
1. Know the six titles and catalog numbers
Bach grouped the pieces in manuscript as three sonatas (BWV 1001, 1003, 1005) and three partitas (BWV 1002, 1004, 1006). Each sonata opens with a slow movement, continues with a fugue, and closes with a fast movement. Each partita strings together stylized dances such as allemande, courante, sarabande, and gigue, often with a brilliant closing movement (the famous Chaconne closes the D minor Partita, BWV 1004).
2. Start with one complete sonata or partita
Listeners new to the cycle often begin with the E major Partita (BWV 1006), whose opening Preludio is direct and radiant, or with the G minor Sonata (BWV 1001), whose opening Adagio and following fugue show Bach’s range in a compact frame. Hearing one complete work teaches you how Bach balances lyric lines, harmonic tension, and rhythmic drive without piano support.
3. Listen for polyphony on a single string
In fugues and in movements such as the Chaconne, Bach implies multiple voices where only one violin sounds. Pay attention to when the player brings out an inner voice, when bass notes anchor the harmony, and when long melodic lines seem to answer themselves. Midori’s approach stresses clarity of line so each implied voice has its own weight.
4. Compare dance character across partitas
The B minor Partita (BWV 1002) includes paired dance movements that invite contrast in tempo and articulation. The D minor Partita reaches its summit in the Chaconne, often performed alone in concert but best understood as the finale of the larger work. The E major Partita ends with a gigue of athletic brilliance after the spacious Preludio.
5. Connect to Midori’s recordings and notes
Midori released a two-CD set of the complete Sonatas and Partitas, followed by a DVD filmed at Köthen Castle, where Bach once worked. Track listings, release details, and press reception are collected on the DISCOGRAPHY page. For movement-by-movement reflection tied to performance, read her brief notes on Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas. Career context appears in the BIOGRAPHY.
6. Return to the homepage for concerts and news
Bach remains a staple of Midori’s recital programs and teaching studio. Current announcements and dates are posted on NEWS and CONCERTS. You can also return to the MIDORI official website homepage to explore photography, projects, and contact information.
Cover image: album artwork from Midori’s Bach Sonatas and Partitas recording.