Bach: Sei Solo

March 2022
Leonidas Kavakos, an exclusive Sony Classical artist, has taken on a monumental task with his latest release, “Bach: Sei Solo,” his first account of Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin. The title “Sei Solo” not only describes the work itself (“six solos”) but also reminds the performer of the challenge they face—being utterly alone.

Kavakos rises to this challenge with grace and finesse. His performance exhibits a firm grasp of the rhythm, yet he avoids sounding mechanical or metronomic. In the Double of the Courante, he expertly weaves the intricate web of notes into well-formed phrases, showcasing an impressive breadth and integrity of structure. Every line is sharply etched, and Kavakos pays meticulous attention to balancing the voices, resulting in a captivating rendition – as noted by Gramophone Magazine.

While Kavakos’ rendition of the G minor Sonata and B minor Partita may appear less polished and more austere when compared to his earlier 2005 ECM recordings, further listening reveals a keen sense of control and purposeful shaping within the music’s fragile nature. Notably, the G minor and C major Fugues and the D minor Chaconne exhibit multi-leveled soft dynamics and deft transitions, contributing to the interpretation’s assiduous momentum.

In the A minor Sonata’s Andante movement, Kavakos displays microscopic attention to detail, which, for some listeners, might come across as overly meticulous and disjointed when compared to more direct and fluent period performances. This contrast is particularly noticeable in comparison to interpretations by Sergiu Luca or more traditional-minded violinists like James Ehnes, Uto Ughi, Nathan Milstein, and Itzhak Perlman. Nevertheless, Kavakos’ dedication to his vision is evident, and his execution is flawless.

 Kavakos’ performance exudes solitude and precision, bringing forth a unique interpretation steeped in period performance influences. While some listeners might appreciate the microscopic attention to detail, others may prefer more traditional renditions. Nonetheless, Kavakos’ commitment to his artistic vision is unquestionable, making “Bach: Sei Solo” a noteworthy addition to his discography.