Product Description Debut solo recording by Johnny Gandelsman, critically acclaimed violinist of Brooklyn Rider and The Silkroad Ensemble! After spending over a decade recording and producing albums of critically acclaimed groups, Brooklyn Rider and The Silkroad Ensemble, Johnny Gandelsman is finally releasing his first solo album, choosing JS Bach's magnificent Sonatas and Partitas for violin solo as the perfect repertoire for this endeavor. Johnny's unique interpretation integrates his classical training with the work he has been doing with The Silkroad Ensemble and Brooklyn Rider over the last decade. Collaborating with improvisers, commissioning new works from a variety of composers (many of whom are performers,) working with ballet & modern dance companies, as well as working with traditional musicians outside of the Classical music genre - all of these experiences add deep and meaningful layers of connection and dimension to Bach's music.The Boston Globe praised Gandelsman's performance of Sonatas and Partitas for its ''genial freshness and unaffected sincerity''. Lloyd Schwartz, describing the concert on NPR's Fresh Air, added, ''I've heard some famous violinists attempt this epic feat, but none of them gripped me and delighted me as thoroughly as Gandelsman.'' Finally, the New York Times called the local performance, ''mesmerizing...a memorable marathon''. Self-produced by Gandelsman, this record will be a meaningful addition to the existing interpretations of music deeply personal to all violinists. Review There are many fine recordings and several great ones of these sonatas and partitas, and now a new one by Johnny Gandelsman takes its place among the very best. Lloyd Schwartz, NPR's Fresh Air As a cofounder of the string quartet Brooklyn Rider and a member of the Silk Road Ensemble formed by Yo-Yo Ma, Johnny Gandelsman is one of New York's busier musicians, often working at the intersection of folk, jazz, indie rock, classical music, and dance. 'The feel of dance goes through all of the partitas. Even the fugues have that feel in them. The bow dictates a certain approach, which I was very happy to explore. Brian Wise, Strings Sparklingly personal Bach, shorn of grandeur, lofted by a spirit of dance, and as predictable as the flight of a swallow. Jeremy Eichler and Zoë Madonna, Boston Globe Sterling attention to line and harmonic implication... The performances abound in nuance and character, with every note, even in multiple stops, emerging in lucid detail... Most arresting is the violinist's ability to tie phrases together with seamless inevitability and provide a fluent sense of structure from beginning to end. Donald Rosenberg, Gramophone Surprising and rewardingJoshua Kosman --San Francisco Chronicle
S**A
Superior piece of work.
I heard/saw several of his Bach performances on Performance Today and really enjoyed them. I listened to this new CD and quite impressed with his technical skills, his detailed playing, the sound quality of the CD, and - most important to me - his emotional depth of insight into Bach. Too many performers go for the technical fireworks which Bach does require, yet there is a deeper construction which Gandelsman grasps from the first note. I once read the Bachs sonatas and partitas, esp. the Chaconne of Partita #2, were a way to reach out to God. I know that might sound pretentious but these pieces do allow the mind and heart to soar to incredible places. His playing is absolutely top notch and does have that special extra sensitivity which, for my money, puts this in the premiere rank of Bach recordings of these pieces. I have numerous recordings I've collected over the years, beginning with Menuhin, and on into Oistrach, Szeryng, Perlman - Gandelsman goes to the head of the pack for me.
D**S
Music for the Soul
Johnny Gandelsman plays like a god. The sumptuous tone, sensuous cantilena and emotional intensity of his interpretations leave other violinists in the dust. This is no towering, muscle-bound deluge, but simply the most perceptive and moving recording available of Bach’s gift to mankind.
J**R
You could almost dance to this performance!
I was fortunateenough to hear a live performance of this at MIT several years ago. Gandelsman's performance is breathtaking - elegant and thoughtful, but brimming wioth life.
D**Y
A great recoding
I’ve had this CD since it came out. Listened to it today, again, in fact. The recording is superb. Moreover, Johnny’s technical mastery/artistry is second to none in my opinion. Been meaning to write a review for ages. I strongly recommend buy this CD if you like violin and Bach.
H**T
Exceptional, personal performance.
Exceptional playing with a personal vision of the music.
A**U
Beautiful interpretation
I purchased this CD many months ago and have listened to it repeatedly. I'm still blown away by the emotion and skill that Gandelsman puts into this work. Love it.
C**O
Precise performance,but a mediocre recording.
Compared to my other recordings( Ruth Palmer,Daniel Piori) of some of these pieces,the playing is very precise,and I like the lack of vibrato. The emotional aspect seems less prominent ,however,and the instrumental tone and room ambience are inferior,especially to the Ruth Palmer. The production quality of the LP is not so good as many of my recent purchases ( German pressings) ,with a lot of surface rustle,and some low frequency thumps.The peculiar three fold sleeve is annoying- but this is not a top price record.
D**E
Beautiful CD
A beautiful double CD recording. The complete Bach Sonatas and Partitas. A masterful artist. Clear and crisp recording.
A**R
No excitement or panache.
Disappointing. Review promised more than was delivered. No excitement or panache.
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