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Bach Ciaccona Recordings

From Josh Hunton
Posted August 16, 2004 at 05:29 AM

I am surprised that nobedy mentioned the giant Adolf Busch, who left us a monumental recording of the Chaconne.

My teacher and I just hate the Luca recording, no offense. I guess it has a much more Baroque sound to it. For playing Bach on a Baroque violin, I think that recording is great, but I like the modern violin recordings more. The Hilary Hahn recording is my favorite so far.

the other pieces on the cd are the nilesen and elgar concertos.

Sorry- this is a violin forum (heh, heh) ... but it's interesting. Has anyone played it on both guitar and violin?

I think the best version is by Rebekah Johnson. I haven't heard it yet, but I have high hopes.

Lara "Hello, I'm Topless" St. John's recording is fantastic. I highly recommend getting over the cover pic and actually listening. My reasons: the clarity of the different voices, plus I feel she has a strong idea of the "cathedral architecture" of the piece and also relishes the challenges of playing the damn thing.

(I am curious about Tetzlaff and Mintz, and Mullova-has she recorded it?)

Among contemporary violinists James Ehnes recorded the cycle on Anelektra. Organ like chords, beautiful sound inspite of the technical difficulties, it is a great recording.

Carl.

Yes, Mullova has recorded the D minor back in the early 90's I think. If I remember correctly it's on a disc with the Bartok solo sonata.

As for Bach, well it depends on tastes. If you prefer the early music movement versions or not. I think that there are a lot of great versions. Best to hear them all and then choose your own way. One great set is by Gérard Poulet the French violinist. Ridiculously clean, and very beautiful and interesting.

Cheers!

Besides this I really like Hilary Hahn's recording of the Partitas/Sonatas and especially the Chaconne.

Haven't checked out Milsteins 1973 recording yet (which is supposed to be great), but am going to soon.

Szeryng and Grumiaux are excellent too, but nobody hits that climactic moment with as much awe-inspiring power as Mintz. Not to say he romanticizes it, because he doesn't.

My favorite would have been Shumsky, had I not been sitting on the edge of my seat constantly cringing and waiting for the next wrong note. In my book, Suk is tops, although so many of these recordings are wonderful. If anyone wants a copy of my little collection of .htm files, I will be happy to email it to you (Busch, Enescu, Grumiaux, Heifetz, Kremer, Menuhin, Milstein, Mintz, Perlman, Poulet, Shumsky, Suk, Szeryng, Szigeti, and Zehetmair).

Also the Menuhin one he played in Gstaad 1972. He plays with more emotion, a little bit faster and it "flows" better. But like on most Menuhin recordings, you can hear little flaws and imprecisenesses. (doesn't bother me though)
I don't like Menuhins recording from the 50s, but I was told that his first recording of the Bach is very similar to the 1972 one.

As for recordings, I still haven't found the Ideal Bach Recording. For the Chaconne my personal favorite is Szigeti, just for the sheer musical profundity, but it must be admitted that Mr. Szigeti's technique is pretty sloppy on that recording (he was old).

Regarding your left hand in the fugue, you may have the common problem (it's afflicted me, that's for sure) of holding the neck of the violin in a death grip while reaching for chords. I often wonder if it isn't a sort of "psychosomatic" reaction to panic about difficult polyphonic writing? Anyway, don't do that, panic=tension=death.
Also make sure you aren't angling your left thumb too far backwards. That's another common mistake when playing chords, it does nothing except to create tension in the hand and limit its reach and flexibility. (Same goes for sticking your wrist out when stretching for a 4th finger, etc.) The left hand must always be as relaxed, balanced and efficient as possible. If something hurts, chances are you're doing something wrong.

Certainly not a "classical" interpretation by any stretch of the imagination. Some may reject this as too far out. But certainly goes to show that Bach's piece left a lot of room to the interpret to breathe into the music.

I enjoy reading everyone's preferences but it seems the most important thing to do is to try to get as many different recordings as possible and judge for yourself. There is something to learned from every great violinists' interpretation. Bach tastes change over time. Gidon Kremer is very fun though.

My personal fave: JAAP SCHROEDER

There is a DVD from Video Artists International, Inc. (VAI Number 4368) where Isaac Stern plays the Bach Chaconne. You will love it ! Stern recorded it when he was young and he himself makes the presentation of this magnificent work of art. I think his Chaconne is Isaac Stern at his best, and the way he plays it is comparable to Milstein's, I believe.

Best Wishes

Not too fast like Heifetz does, not too slow like Hahn does...

For me Perlman plays the PERFECT chaconne..
I have listened many performances of it but nothing can touch my soul as Perlmans..expressive, colourfull, nostalgic, with such a dose of passion..

Hilary Hahn is very good too especially for someone who is learning chaconne..it sounds slowly and clearly (you can hear every notes) and very expressive too..

My favourite variation in chaconne is the arpeggios one.. i love the performances that the arpegios have a "rolling effect" (like in hahn's) and not "sloppy" like many do..

Mihalis

His rendition is to me well played-makes structural sense, as well as having a constant feeling of movement (without rushing).

I'm glad someone mentioned Gregory Fulkerson, because I believe he has put forth a marvelous interpretation.  Szeryng will always be the standard for me, but when I heard Fulkerson I immediately placed him up at the top of my list.  The tone that he gets out of the instrument is incredible.  His chords and double-stops resonate and speak so clearly, unlike some recordings where it simply comes across as scratchy with the bow digging into the string too much.

While I have Milstein's, Grumiaux's, Heifetz, and Fischer's recordings of Bach, I place Fulkerson and Szeryng up at the top.

My own - he said in a burst of unseemly self-promotion! Actually, for me, Bach is the Shakepeare of music. And the Chaconne is like Hamlet and King Lear put together. There are many wonderful interpretations, and no single one can be completely definitive - which is as it should be.

I prefer the version of Vasco Abadjiev, which is on you tube and on second place Milstein. Realy in this time Vasco was only on 28 . 

Only to add the words of the great David Oistrah :  Moscow, June, 1974: Without doubt Vasco Abadjiev is the most genial performer of Bach of our time.
 

Greetibngs,

its a pity he`s dead.  I can`t ask him what he meant by the word `genial`.

Cheers,

Buri

I just finished reading 'Violin Dreams' by Arnold Steinhardt- Marvelous book- He calls Bach's Chaconne "the holy grail for the solo violin" and has an extensive discussion about his struggles at interpreting its meaning and playing it. The discussion of the Chaconne runs through the whole book. Good read!

I forgot to say the most important: The book includes a CD with 2 different versions of the Partita No. 2- one recorded in 1966 and the other 40 years later in 2006- both with Steinhardt-

Enjoy!

Louise

What... the Chaconne on *violin*?!

OK, this takes a lot of nerve, posting my own viola recording to a violin site, but here goes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsDr15D3VnY&feature=related (part one)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3qPvw6r360&feature=related (part two)

Scott (running for cover)

PS I've also heard the chaconne on cello and bass (gasp). So it's not only violists who are a little jealous of your repertoire.

I have Henryk Syzeryng.

Scott,

No need to run. Not from me, in any case. I thoroughly enjoyed your performance. It sounds somehow more relaxed than on a violin, just like the lute version of the G minor fugue. Thanks for putting it on Youtube.

Apart from you, I also like the interpretations of Wolfgang Schneiderhan (my first acquaintance wth the piece; for its clarity and beauty of tone), Henryk Szeryng (superb technique in the service of musical interpretation), Lucy van Dael (original, humane), Rachel Podger (playful, joyful), Julia Fischer (tranquility!), Hilary Hahn (her concentration makes anything sound simple).

Bart

Great thing about solo Bach is that you have so many recordings to choose from!  Anyway, I think you could also check out on YouTube (do a search) "David Juritz" and "Chaconne".  It's not the complete piece (only about 9+ minutes), but it's another interpretation... the reason I recommend him is that I heard him live when he played the 2nd Partita on his "Round the World and Bach" tour, and it's a great version of solo Bach.  Unlike some versions which can seem too "rich" or "heavy" for repeated hearing, his playing is interesting yet light.  When speaking to David about the solo works you'll find he has some very interesting musical ideas about the set.

Cheers...

I little while ago I would have said Szeryng.  Now I think I like Milstein and Szeryng about equally.  Also, I really enjoy Menuhin's recording...the later one....and the earlier one, but the later one is special to me somehow.  I think this is a little unusual though...

 I would definitely recommend Milstein (I think the earlier recording) and Szeryng (both) without needing any of my sentimental feelings attached (Grumiaux is also very nice).  James Ehnes, Julia Fischer, and Hilary Hahn have all also made great recordings...their recordings are more contemporary than the other two if that's a consideration.

Plug for an Australian: Richard Tognetti. (Leader of the Australian Chamber Orchestra).

I do think Heifetz is King, but for Bach I prefer to turn to others. Haven't heard Enesco, Grumiaux, Perlman or Hahn, and I'm sure they're all great.

Greetings,

II discovere d anew one on youtube  the other day that almost never gets a mention: Christian Ferras.  Not the Chacconne but the last two movements of the e major played so wonderfully I almost cried.  That is pretty much my ideal  (unless i am lsiening to Milstein,  Van Dael,  Enescu et al ;))

Cheers,

Buri

 Stephen-

What do you like about the Enescu?  I found myself disappointed withe the recording... and I was so excited to listen to it!  

Just curious about your opinion, specifically. :-)

Greetings,

well, some of it is just awful;)   He was well past his prime and very ill (I think) when that recoridng was made.  I just try to move past the painful moments.  Why I like the Chaconne in particular (listened to it through six times on first hearing it)  is the enormous sense of structure I get from him.  That somehow he was so able to understand instantly what so much music was about and how it all fits into one huge complex relationship, that time ceases to exist.  Or rather all time coexists simultaneously.  All experiences of music are happening at once.  

Sounds a bit arty farty to me but its the best I can do on a Friday night.  I also find a certain gypsy element lurking behind the cultured Renaissance man and I -really= like that in Bach.  he was a bit on the wild side.  I would recommend you give the Chaconne a few more listening.  I in the end you are underwhelmed so be it.  Just a question of taste.

Cheers,

Buri 

 Thanks Buri. Will do... :-)

I caught the Christian Ferras that Buri mentioned, and it was the first time I heard Ferras....this was back a bit when Brian Hong mentioned him.  Like Buri, it almost brought tears to me and I instantly became a Ferras Fan!

Greetings,

that`s how I start my day-  ferras Bach and carrot/garlic juice.  Got some dried prunes as well in case you were worried...... 

Cheer,s

Buri

carrot/garlic?  Realy?  I've hear of a tonic made with vinegar/honey/garlic........ I'm out of prunes.....Dang!

 I vote for Uto Ughi, in a recording which is, unfortunately, very difficult to find. Wonderfully expressive but nonetheless restrained performances of the sonatas and partitas, with a specially fine chaconne.

 Greetings,

you are right. Ughi`s career stalled for some reason but now you remind me I used ot ahve some excellent recoridngs of him.  His Paginin concertos were very good to. I herad him live years ago.

Cheers,

Buri

Buri- Back on Feb 23rd you said....." to bad he (Oistrahk?) is daed I would ask him what he meant by 'genial'"....   Did you know him?

It was a long, long time ago, but I thought the Joseph Szigeti performances were very thoughtful and instructive - for someone wanting to follow a mentor in playing the Bach sonatas and partitas.

Andy

Greetings,

Royce, he died roughly when I was born.

Can you blame him? 

Cheers,

Buri

 Here is a new video recording from last month:

http://bit.ly/b2oxE8

FMF

Ahem...far be it from me to say "best", but my recently released 2nd CD includes the complete Bach D minor Partita - with, of course, the Chaconne.

 For a truly unique perspective on the Ciacconna, look into the Hilliard Ensemble's recording. They have realized Helga Thoene's analysis and overlaid the choral "Christ Lag in Todesbanden".. For me, it is the fulfillment of the ciaconna.

Some collections from yt: violin-lc.blogspot.com/2009/09/bach-chaconne.html

I love this one (Mintz). His tone, restraint, dynamics, accuracy, I could go on, and often do.
Funny...in the video he plays it without moving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7y534_WHXE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGgIjO2fqi8&feature=endscreen&NR=1