J. S. Bach: Sonatas & Partitas

Many great musicians who approach Bach later in their career (Renaud Capuçon is almost 50 at the time of this album’s release) do so with an understandable sense of awe. Capuçon admits to feelings of serenity and humility in the face of this Everest of recording projects, yet the resulting performances possess a clarity of articulation, lucid dramatic arc and a refreshing expressive restraint. Playing on a Guarneri violin that post-dates these early 18th-century gems by a mere 20 years, the French virtuoso opts for the fulsome acoustics of Berlin’s legendary Teldex Studios, adding an almost church-like bloom to his interpretations. Listen to the “Fuga” from the Sonata No. 1 for a sense of the directness and honesty of his playing, allowing melodic lines and implied harmonies to fly free. And the mighty “Chaconne” from the Partita No. 2 is a masterclass in poise and dynamic control, every note and phrase in its right place.