Bach: Violin Sonatas - Hélène Schmitt

Hélène Schmitt's performance of may well be the most profoundly searching version of these intractable masterpieces yet recorded.

Composer: Bach
Repertoire: Sonata for Violin Solo No.1; Partitas Nos 1 & 2
Artists: Hélène Schmitt (violin)
Rating:  4/5 
Genre: Instrumental  
Label: Alpha 082

Even in a movement such as the presto finale of the G minor Sonata, which is normally played as a virtuoso blur of scorching semiquavers, Hélène Schmitt finds room to shape the music with tremendous individuality. Some may find her constant probing almost too much of a good thing, but once you are in the groove, it’s mesmerising.