Nathan Milstein plays Bach Sonata #1 (first 2 mov.)

[poyoyoko2]

10 SOB

[DesiFuyuko]

This is excellent! :) I will be learning this Sonata on my own. I love the Bach sonatas, playing all is my violin dream, I wish I can do it close to this good! <3

[TimTait88]

FUCKFUCKFUCK

[HannanXBest]

amazing playing!

[stevenmiles]

Many renditions of this piece are played correctly on note and tempo. I've listened to many. Mr. Milstein gives an organic life to his playing that seems to transport us into another realm like a good film that makes us forget we're in theater.

[purrna2go]

His interpretation is from heaven.

[TheCaptainKanada]

starts out way too fast, but he finds his groove

[maestrophil1]

@TheCaptainKanada

Original score is marked Allegro indeed. If anything, modern players tend to overindulge in slower tempos in Bach. I think Milstein's about right here (for him).

[alexvynnyk1]

why is it so fast. it should be adagio... it should be slower. but its still really good.

[skatenec]

I can't find a single mistake! Im reading the music right now!

[GuidedFireWind]

@skatenec

no shit, at that level, "no mistakes" isn't exactly amazing.

[Berdjum]

Pour ce meme morceau, il y a sur youtube une video avec Sergey Khachatryan qui donne a reflechir. Comment un interprete aussi inconnu que ce Serguey K. joue tellement mieux que cet illustre violoniste qu 'est Nathan Milstein ? l' ecoute comparative des deux versions est tellement en faveur de Serguey K que cela en est desobligeant pour Mr Milstein. Mais comme bien entendu, ici tout le monde perpetuent la pensée molle .. Milstein, c'est très bien aussi ....loool

[Sorcerer2k]

cut at 7:11 !?

[paperboy42190]

@Sorcerer2k no, its supposed to be like that

[Sorcerer2k]

@paperboy42190: yeah I know. But I thought the tuning is a bit different (little low) from that place. But Today I cant hear it that precise.. I was listening with studio headphones, so maybe u should try the same ;) Its anyway a pleasure!

[paperboy42190]

@Sorcerer2k im listening to it with some better headphones now and i must say it definitely sounds quite a bit better!

[AbsoluteZ3R0]

Excellent everything except intonation. It's kind of shocking to hear Milstein play out of tune so often but his interpretation and tone are just so great

[PJViolin]

@AbsoluteZ3R0 actually, I'm pretty sure milstein was known to not play perfectly in tune all the time

[Maratdelux]

i like this movement`s

[wtfaccountname]

learning it atm

[HadeanAgent]

SUCKS!

[fryfry377]

lol. I love Milstein's style, but at the same time I can't help thinking "come on, man, this isn't a partita!" (e.g. 5:48, 4:30)

around 7:30 I love how he's taking this section... very mysterious and kinda scary. It sounds like he's beginning his slurs up-bow which is kinda cool... even if he's not, and I'm wrong.

[ildr2003]

I'm not an expert in classical music, but I love Bach and I think this is awesome!

[creamywhippingcream]

Thanks!! =)

[am21185]

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh god

[rumpranger65]

This is wicked. The fugue especially. Thanks.

[yasammimari]

wonderfullllllllllllllllllll

[BlazeChan1997]

i always loved the sound of an orchestra <3 So beautiful~

[AbsoluteZ3R0]

@BlazeChan1997 wtf, how is this an orchestra? It's a single violinist

[alma2moon]

the 2nd part "fugue" is the best track i ve ever heard .

[voxhunden]

Heifetz: beautiful. Milstein: transcendent.

[happyguy287]

You need lots of skill to play this piece well.

[calloffthedogs]

and NM has it in abundance

[txmusician13]

Just for usefulness, the Fuga movement is at

4:01

[puffo3500]

The majesty of this piece is incomparable. The deep interpretation of a master of violin suggests to me an idea of infinity that only a genius as Bach could create.

[sskittleheadd]

this is beautiful....

[Megzmuse]

In my experience "Intent" and "Hard work" should go hand in hand, if they both are combined, that is when you acquire greatness in what you are playing. Talent.

[Megzmuse]

I think the general definition of talent is often misconstrued for "something that comes easy to someone"

The real truth of talent ( this is what I believe) Is that it comes from a passionate "intent" to play something well. This is why driven, "Talented" musicians are able to pick up any instrument they haven't played before and play it better then person who has been playing for years... for the first time. They have an intent to do it well and play what is in their hearts.

[AdvocateToTheAccuser]

@Megzmuse Nonsense. Talent greases the wheel a bit, but without practice and training, it's nothing. The intent is essential, but mere intent is also useless. Motivation can make someone practice more, but it's the practice. See Nathan Milstein? When he was a child, he didn't pick up a violin and crank out concertos, he practiced, probably about 6 hours a day at least.

[classifieds103]

This talk of talent with all of you is depressing. My teacher in our lesson always said i was a very quick learner and have this innate ability with the violin unlike others. What she doesn't know is that i just practice more than most. Does that mean I am of no talent now?

[reinux]

i don't know. i never to practice much, but my teacher thought i was the most able of her students.i practiced less and less until now i'm not that great at all.

was i talented back then?

what saddens me most really is that there's talk of "talent" when there's no distinction being made between innate ability, practiced skill, understanding, creativity or appreciation.

really, it seems that the only reason people are bickering is because everyone has a different idea of what the word means.

[AdvocateToTheAccuser]

@classifieds103 Not at all. I'm the same way. I'm considered gifted at violin, and I do things much more intuitively than others, but I also practice more than others. Talent is nothing without practice.

[seahyimin]

2nd movt is very hard! and he played it very well

[u9010533]

Yeah, In 2nd mov playing its chord and tricky maneuver of bow are bothersome, but it is such a baeutiful piece to play with.

[violin6969]

Bottom line...it's all subjective and a matter of individuals tastes combined with their levels of understanding, scholarship and musicianship. I also find that something or someone that I found to be the "ultimate" often changes as I continue to grow and learn as a musician. Sometimes I come back to the original thought, but often I move on...What I do know is that I have the deepest respect for what these revered musician have done and are doing...it is....an on going process. Thoughts?

[DHcello]

did you have EMI milstein bach verison? I know this is DG 1978

[KillerD1017]

Im so tired of hearing people say "oh well, god blessed milstien (or any other great musican) with such talent",are u kidding me. These musicans worked their asses off to be as talented as they are now. Im pretty sure god didnt float on down and hand them their skills. It was through hard fuckin work , as im learning now. So please for now on dont strip great muscians and composers of their hard work by saying sumone else gave them talent, but praise them on what they have become

[henryprost]

I totally agree, God doesnt do anything, but church says, if you do wrong and screw something, its your fault, but if you succeed and become amazing, thank god!! bullshit!! succesful people, or great musicians, like Milstein who was excellent, become great on their own!

[KillerD1017]

ahhh its refreshing to know im not the only one who thinks this. I thought i was gunna get comments accusing me of bein athiest and what not but what ever. I'm not athiest at all i just believe that sum need to recognize wen god hard a part in sumthing and when he didnt

[giuseppeguarneri]

Milstein is absolutely the greatest violinist of all time. Many people will say Heifeitz or others are the best. NO ONE will ever beat Milstein.

[KillerD1017]

i agree

[JhnL33]

Heifeitz (and me) are the two best violinists in the whole world!! (fine...maybe not me...but still, Heifeitz is awesome! better than Milstein...) I still think that Henryk Szeryng is better than anyone else at playing Bach...

[deoxys388]

Milstein may have been an extraordinary violinist, but music is subject to opinion, unlike the sciences and mathematics, which are sure figures. So, no one musician can be the best or the worse.

[AbsoluteZ3R0]

People don't work hard to obtain talent, they are born with it. Whether or not God blesses people with their talent or not is subjective, but talent isn't something you earn, it's something you're born with. However, the reason Milstein and other artists at his level are so great is because they put a great deal of effort into developing their already existent talents. Talent and skill are two different things. Talent is essentially one's ability to improve.

[KillerD1017]

i like what u said here. it wasn't just some comment telling us, but u actually explained ur reasoning for what u said. I also agree with the majority of what u said.

[celloman79]

Talent is simply interest combined with effort. "Hidden talent" is just interest that hasn't been discovered yet and with exposure and work, it can be developed. If you're interested in something, you can learn it. You already have all the talent you need. If it makes you tired and bored to learn something, that would be the opposite of talent.

[theViolinDreamer]

Perfectly agree.

[AbsoluteZ3R0]

(continued) Skill is the result of the amount of effort put into something multiplied by one's talent level.

[celloman79]

Hilary Hahn explains it well. Some people do things intuitively. Others must work to learn things. But having to work is a blessing, because you will understand what you have learned. Those with "talent" often run into problems later through their lack of understanding. Your body and instrument can change. Understanding allows you to adapt. True talent is simply interest, patience, and discipline combined. Nothing more.

[voncarmelo]

Divino!

[themightymouth]

Absolutely Incredible! I Am Stunned.

[goodboy1479]

is it from 1957' live?

[lachnessmonster1]

nope, it's from milstein's 1975 recording with deutsche grammophon. and my favorite interpretation of this sonata!

(reply to goodboy1479)

[3NUNS]

fugue a bit ruff but artistic in the roughness of the same

[superefvo]

milstain its the best!

[avpny1346]

Bach is God !...Milstein is an Angel!!!!

[iamemod]

i thought menuhin was? o_o

[3NUNS]

dat is vot they said of A. Hitler and Goebbels vas his angel

[helloookitty18]

Bach is not God. God gave Bach music, and Bach did beautiful things with it. music is a wonderful gift, but not to be worshiped. That should only be reserved for our awesome God who gave us music.

[johntomfoolery]

God doesn't exist. People gave us music. So don't take away from Bach's accomplishments, please and thank you.

[helloookitty18]

This world can not exist without God. You are only deceiving yourself by saying that. God has given us much evidence of his existence, yet foolish men still reject Him.

[johntomfoolery]

I feel bad for you and I envy you at the same time. I don't think I would ever want to be that ignorant, and for that, I feel sorry for you. However, ignorance is bliss, as they say. For that, I wish I believed in God, too. Of course, that would mean I'd have to ingore the facts and stop using my basic reasoning skills. Free your mind and save yourself.

[cromulentinnoc3nce]

Let's not force our beliefs on each other, folks. Tolerance is the name of the game.

[vp1981ad]

helloookitty18: Thanks but no thanks. I will continue, in my foolish manner, to worship Bach. You can, quite frankly, sod off.

cromulentinnoc3nce: I appreciate your sentiment, but I for one am just tired of religious people forcing their nonsense down my throat. If someone has the gall to come upon a clip of Milstein performing Bach, and pontificate about how we should be worshipping God and not these mere mortals, that person deserves to be scorned. Effusively.

[speedybabyface]

God exists because mankind created him. People need a superior being which they think exists and helps them... It appeared because of fear. Look over the history books. Helloookitty18, you are living a dream. Of course there is a GOD, but not as people belive it exists. I do not agree with religion by the way. Have a nice day and listen to this wonderful interpretation.

[zedd56]

explain the creation of the universe, kind sir.

Kind of feels like when that one faggot asked you to divide by zero, doesn't it?

[speedybabyface]

The Universe still stays in mistery. We still do know nothing about the beginning of humanity. The easiest way is religion. But is that the real way?

[zedd56]

This is battled by the 'miracles' that are described in the Bible, Qur'an and other texts.

You could go ahead and tell me that these miracles were simply made up, and falsely recorded in would-be 'holy books,' but this is history. Of course there are no living witnesses, as these occurrences may have taken place some time around 1400 years ago, but to counter a point by simply saying it is false or invalid would be ignorant.

Disprove these miracles without simply saying they never happened.

[speedybabyface]

Do you really belive that there were a man and a woman - Adam and Eve - who have had children and then what? Incest? How do you explain all the rases? White people, indians, black people, asians? And by the way 1400 years ago was still the Roman Empire.

[theViolinDreamer]

to me it is unexplicable how some take the bible literally word by word. "Adam and Eve "is to me a metaphor.They represent the first descendants of humanity. Whether they were only two, or more , or how they looked...out of importance. Than next idea: they were inocent. They lived free and were not ashamed of themselves. Than they wanted to "play God". And they tasted th fruit of KNOWLEDGE. And that's when their turment begun.

[theViolinDreamer]

Consicence was both a blessing and a course. Once you start asking questions you loose your inocence. They metaphorically lost their happiness,just like children who when growing up loose their sence of purity. And their progenitures carried on this trait , metaphorically called "original sin".Other things are metaphores as well.World was created in 7 days.. not making sence,right? But if each day would in fact represent a notion of mileniums , it makes sence.

[festershred]

so youve been told

[AznLanceLord]

Bach dedicated his music to god.

[johntomfoolery]

I couldn't possibly care less who Bach dedicated his music to. Also, not a single historian living in the time of Jesus records anything about his existence. If he did all these miracles you people speak of, why is it not mentioned once by any of the historians writing in his day? The only accounts that agree with the bible were written by the religious. There were scholars living at that time recording history for posterity and not one of them mention your made up god. Sorry to disappoint.

[beemochobrahms]

Wow. All he said was, "Bach dedicated his music to god." And this, naturally was your response?

[Guarneris]

Bach is the only composer that develops structured melody-armony in mathematical universal langage. Please go to the branderburg edu section: his music comprenhence the universe. So if he is the greater composer of all times, he could have a better intuition than many others about God. Peter and Paul were kill in ROME, where history noted about christians as crucified them, they gave a testimony by doing the same miracles than Jesus.

[reinux]

Plenty of intelligent, successful, highly educated and *good* people were and are Christian.

I'm not Christian myself but I do care that Bach was Christian, because it affected a lot of his musical decisions -- especially his fundamental decision to devote himself to writing valuable music and not to crowd-pleasing.

Also, your enraged rambling is a lot more incoherent than a lot of the beliefs of the very religion you discount. Two wrongs surely don't make a right.

[johntomfoolery]

All of my comments have been quite well thought out and very coherent. Perhaps you can't read very well? Also, none have a hint of rage. Perhaps you're angry that not all of us are dooped by the absurdity of religion? You don't phase me. We're all entitled to our own opinions, but please state yours as yours without attack, as I have done.

[reinux]

Look up metaphysics on Wikipedia or Battleground God on Google.

You'll find that even from a rationalist/logical positivist standpoint, the god question isn't as easy as yes/no, even though obviously a lot of what the bible states is clearly absurd.

Save for fundamentalists, self-proclaimed Christians do, to varying extents, discount notions within the bible that are absurd.

Finally, "dooped by the absurdity of religion" is weaseling to say the least, so don't tell me you aren't antagonistic.

[Fiddler12345]

Yes he did. His scores always ended with, "To the Glory of God."

[SoarinKitty]

I would love to have the sheet music for this. <3

[mhal60]

He reminds me of the first time I heard and was totally blown away by Hilary Hahn...

[Nanakommt]

Herzlichen Dank!

[OriginalMoonbeam]

This is just fantastic! Thank you so much for posting this!!! He plays these fugues flawlessly!

[julliards]

I can make lyrics to this song lol

[reinux]

Let's hear :D

[maurice0773]

Grande!!

[musicaergosum]

Thanks for this Milstein!

Now it's in my playlist...

with Szering and Menuhin.

[xtfer101]

Utter perfection.....

[ttuucchhaa]

thank you!!!

[catlvr4567]

it sounds a little fast

[naumrenato]

that sounded a little dumb

[catlvr4567]

excuse me, do you play violin?? are you currently playing this piece?? i didn't think so. i'm pretty sure i am entitled to my opinion.

[shamrock929292]

And he's entitled to his, equally

[zzzonezz]

no offence to either one of you but please listen to this:

"Bach concerto for two violins BWV 1043. II"

Yehudi Menuhin.

David Oistrakh.

it might change your opinion. if not thats ok but it is definitely worth listening to.

thanks :-)

[billjhyt]

Oh..Yea..!

[theviolingirls]

This is magnificent!

[issagele]

I didn't like it. It sounds like Milstein is just sightreading this piece for the first time, as he doesn't really seem sure in his interpretation

[homeros8000]

What do you think of Sitkovetsky's interpretation. I find it faster and fiercer than Milstein. I might be mistaken, what do you think?

[aimson]

I liked his interpretation of the 2nd part of the chaconne (the only one I found on youtube). You can see my comment on that page. However, Milstein has a profound impact on me, especially his chaconne. There's something raw and powerful in his playing that cuts straight to my core. Sitkovetsky plays very cleanly and introspectively (not fast and fierce imo), but he also holds back. He needs to free his emotions a bit more and really show us what he has to say.

[homeros8000]

You mean that Sitkovetsky is self conscious when playing. Well, I didn't feel that, but for example I thought the recommended James Ehnes is a bit self conscious when playing those pieces, what do you think?

[aimson]

Well, self-conscious is not what I meant. I guess introspective to me is playing thoughtfully and carefully with a great deal of emphasis on personal meaning. Not too much flash or outward emotion or with too much emphasis on technique - just unique and pensive. I think this describes Sitkovetsky's playing quite well. Never heard of Ehnes.

[homeros8000]

Thanks aimson. Great explanation. Actually Ehnes is highly recommended by Classicstoday website, but I don't like his style that much.

[ConcertoInEminor]

I love how it's so technically correct, but at the same time it's not cold or mechanical... I love Bach, and I love this interpretation of this piece!

[seann588]

magistral

[Napris]

nearly frighteningly elegant, meticulous and passionate. uniquely charismatic, liek szeryng's. i ...really cannot choose between the two.

byuUtifull.

<3

[aimson]

For me the choice is not even a choice at all. To give Szeryng any credence is to give up everything I ever believed and felt about Bach. No, there is no choice or comparison between the two in my own opinion. One is a first-rate violinist who has touched the hearts of millions, including my own, and one is a fake and a hack "violinist" who doesn't deserve credit for anything remotely related to Bach. I cringe every time his name is mentioned.

[Napris]

Um... do you not like Szeryng? >,> Technically you never stated that exact phrase in your passage. But I wouldn't know how to respond to that, either, since I'm not so well educated in the study of music, much less violins and famed violinists. So... yep! Sry.. ^_^;; I just thought the sound Szeryng made was pretty, I didn't really reference his Bach to anything else. But okay, it's nice I know your opinion, and perhaps the majority of classical enthusiasts.

[sawyer10j]

in other words you just realized you were stupid

[aimson]

Care to explain?

[catlvr4567]

you probably don't want to know...

[sonata1992]

Although I vastly prefer Milstein to Szeryng, I don't think questioning whether he should be called a violinist or not is really necessary :P

[StrawberryIchi]

would*

[StrawberryIchi]

Oh my god... Words cannot sufficiently describe the magic this man has created with his violin. Absolutely gorgeous. This is truly the sound of heaven itself.

[julliards]

lol... u know how funny u sound when u try to speak proffesionally ....

[StrawberryIchi]

Speak professionally? No, that was simply how I could best describe the impact the piece made on me. I'd rather sound eloquent than say, "Yo this shiznit is tite... Milstein is da bomb." Because then I could simply lose all respect for myself.

[sab3156]

lol if you said "yo this shiznit is tite", I would kill myself.

[misterbg1]

5:28 to 5:32 remindes me a little bit of the music played in some parts of the movie "preditor" lol.

[Milky111wtf]

The fuga is much too lively, and too fast. He neglects the voices because he's trying to make it sound too bouncy- I prefer Szeryng a great deal to this. Still, he plays it all beautifully.

[paganacho]

La mejor

[paganacho]

Impresionante interpretación. Nunca la había escuchado

[cablechannel]

I find Grumiaux's playing a little too romantic for bach and Milstein's is cleaner though he takes way more liberties with note values. but i like them both and it's always interesting to listen to bach cus everyone has their own way of playin it. it's insane.

[cablechannel]

sorry maybe not too romantic. just a little heavy.

[go8zu]

I uploaded Grumiax:-))

[go8zu]

I uploaded Grumiaux:-))

[BenChanViolin]

I love Milstein's interpretation because it's so Milstein-esque. When people hear his rendition they recognize his style. He takes a lot of interesting temporal liberties, but that's what I like about it: it's very unique and refreshing to me. I bet this is exactly how he hears it in his head, and what a tribute to Bach that he internalized this music like he has! My favorite Milstein is his C major fugue- brilliant! Thanks for posting this, aimson!

[JargarForte]

qu9z0, to answer your question..

Mr.Grumiaux is considered the top violinist in Northern Europe for quit some period.

Not only his performances of Bach are truly remarkable

in my opinion ; from all violinists I know, he plays all eras and styles the most pure.

Grumiaux tells you the truth in every piece.

Milstein is beautiful as well.

[go8zu]

I uploaded Grumiax:-))

[altronataku]

Actually I agree with Aimson. I play both this Adagio piece and Chaconne. Although Chaconne is much longer and harder to play consistently, I sound a lot better playing it than playing the Adagio because the chordings get extremely awkward toward the ending. The slow tempo scrutinizes consistent bowing, which is very easy for one to screw up on.

[altronataku]

woops, I meant that the chordings in the Sonata is awkward, not in Chaconne.

[aimson]

Well, I was talking more about the Fugue moreso than the Adagio, which is more about timing. I was playing the Fugue last night and my left hand nearly fell off. It's really damn hard to play...

[DrLuu1972]

It sounds like you are a good violinist. Would you help me to buy a modern violin that sounds great like this violin? Any maker you'd suggest? Thanks!

[aimson]

My violin was made by a guy named Kapfhammer. He is probably more well known in the Bay Area - most of my teacher's students have Kapfhammers, though they range about 10-15 thousand dollars. This is cheap for the quality. I remember there was one he made that was absolutely phenomenal - it sounded like a half million dollar violin. Anyways, you probably aren't looking to pay 15 grand for a violin, maybe somebody else knows more about violins :)

[garrrynec]

@DrLuu1972 2 years ago, im sure you found what you were looking for. But to add my two cents, I found a wonderfully made violin by a small chinese workshop (not factory) for $120.00. I fitted it with new strings and bought a new bow, and I can pull magic out of it. It has a solid one piece maple back, ebony fittings, real inlaid purfling...and I absolutely love it. It doesn't cost a fortune to play wonderful music, don't be fooled. Just do LOTS AND LOTS of research b4 buying

[go9zu]

Hello everybody.I want to ask something,what do you think about the recording of Sonatas and Partitas of Bach with Arthur Grumiaux?I like his interpration very much (I don't play the violin).By the way,I liked very much Milstein,he can play very good Bach!!

[JamezHong]

Milstein's interpretation of the Bach's fugues included C major and A minor are by far the best recording. Heifetz's interpretation of the chaconne may very be the only thing that challenges Milstein's chaconne.

[rs2rs2]

Well in this case aimson is wrong because the Chaconne requires alot of technic and clean notes. Listening is much easier than playing.

[kostopoulos]

aimson, why dont you post a sample of yourself playing the bach chaconne if its not that difficult?

[DrMontague]

You can be a good music critic without actually being a musician! just as you can comment on the skill of a footballer without being to play football yourself. Evey time someone makes a valid constructive criticism on YouTube they get the the onslaught 'lets hear you play it then'.

[sonata1992]

"That rocket's upside down! It's explode!"

"Well, mr.man! Let's see YOU build a rocket then!"

[sonata1992]

*It will*

[sonata1992]

And what on Earth would that prove about the actual average difficulty of the chaconne? It would only show what aimson is capable of.

[eduardoparedescrespo]

Milstein's version is great, but I personally prefer the heat and harmonic fantasy of Heifetz. BTW, Enescu's rendering is one of the most trascendental violin playing I have ever heard.

[forkjitsu]

i don't like it :-\ it sounds so rushed.

[happpiday]

hey...could you post the siciliano and presto movements also?

[shystylzyt]

Milstein always melts your heart. The master of romantic, emotional Bach interpretations. And that flawless intonation control...wow.

[DrMontague]

my only criticism is that it seems a touch fast. Perhaps because I'm so used to hearing it played slightly slower.

[satchidananda]

thank you very much

[firebreathone]

My apologies for that last comment. My cousin was trying to be cool.

ontopic; How does he manage to play so flawlesslywell?

I have heard Menuhins version and even though he was a master, I would much rather listen to Milsteins recording.

[firebreathone]

pussy this shit is tight

[mimfri]

Wow aimson, that just took my breath away. This stunning inwardness that surprises us from the baroque world is expressed with much thoughtfulness and beauty of sound by Milstein. I have this with Uto Ughi (not my choice) and it is good to hear a more normative version. I have always wondered what the fuss about the Milstein was. Now I know. Thanks for complying with my request!

[aimson]

You're welcome. The first sonata is my second favorite Bach piece, after the second partita. All I can say is that the second movement (fugue) is much harder to play than it sounds. However, for me, it is more intense and emotion-evoking than even the chaconne. Heifetz currently has my favorite version of it, followed by Menuhin and Milstein. I am still trying to find a copy of Enesco playing, but unfortunately my teacher couldn't find it last time I saw him.

[mimfri]

If you are looking to buy - I see that they have a copy in cduniverse on the Classica D'Oro label.

[AbsoluteZ3R0]

Lol i saw Henryk Szeryng playing the fugue and i was like "wow that piece is amazing i'm going to learn it" then i got the sheet music for it and i was like "damn nevermind" lol. It's probably one of the hardest bach pieces for violin. I like the chaconne better though, the fugue is my 2nd favorite.

[aimson]

It is harder to play technically than the chaconne. Just playing the chords in tune is tough enough... I've just memorized it and actually enjoy playing it more than the chaconne simply because it is shorter. My advice is to stay away from Szeryng. Stick with the real masters of violin instead.

[AbsoluteZ3R0]

Actually I really like Szeryng (including his bach), i've seen your comments and i know you don't like him, but he's actually one of my favorite violinists. Is it really more difficult than the chaconne? I thought the chaconne was the most difficult piece for violin by Bach.

[aimson]

The chaconne isn't that difficult to play, if all you are concerned about is getting the notes clean and in tune. This is the only thing Szeryng does well in his playing. I think the difficulty has a lot more to do with understanding the music in depth and being able to communicate the emotions to the listener. You could dedicate your whole life to playing the "holy grail of violin," as Steinhardt describes it.

[lordnifield]

Possibly because one can take liberties with the tempo in the Chaconne. Szeryng does this with the Fuga and I don't like it. The Fuga needs to move at a consistent tempo, which makes intonation more of a challenge, as well as the bowing to bring out the voices of the fugue. But the Chaconne is so long it's hard to compare. The arpeggios beginning at measure 89, for instance, are tricky to play cleanly as some of the shifts between chords require very quick motion in between bow strokes.

[felixmendelssohn]

Always loved the way he plays the 2nd mvmt...

[aimson]

Yeah, moreso than the first movement I think. Menuhin also plays he first sonata incredibly well.