NZSO Christian Tetzlaff in Recital: Plays Bach's Chaconne

JS Bach, Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004
JS Bach, Violin Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005
Bartók, Sonata for Solo Violin

Tetzlaff has made a name for himself via his recordings of Bach sonatas and partitas. Celebrated for his ability as “a master colourist” (New York Times) capable of imbuing his Bach interpretations with “a kaleidoscope of shifting dynamics and accents […] and faultless precision” (Classical Voice), Tetzlaff hears “death and desperation [in Bach…] The first four pieces (BWV 1001-4) really go into the abyss” (The Strad). The pinnacle of these works is the Chaconne from Partita No 2 in D minor – the Everest of the repertoire.

Bártok’s solo sonata for violin also starts with a chaconne – a possible nod to Bach. Apart from this, though, Bártok remains his own man, infusing the sonata with the typical intervals and harmonies of the Hungarian folk music he loved so well.