J.S. BACH Sonatas & Partitas / Renaud Capuçon | Deutsche Grammophon

Parallel to his 50th birthday (27 January), renowned French violinist Renaud Capuçon releases his new album, on which he presents his interpretations of J.S. Bach’s indispensable Sonatas and Partitas.

The violinist first became aware of J.S. Bach’s timeless Sonatas and Partitas via an LP owned by his parents and the impact on the young violinist was instantaneous, sparking a lifelong devotion to Bach and his music. Inspired by Menuhin, Capuçon began studying the works – starting with the Third Partita – as soon as he was old enough. He has considered recording them several times in his career, but earlier this year was finally persuaded by his wife, Laurence Ferrari, to head into the studio. “Until then, I kept thinking I should wait a little longer,” he explains. “I wanted to be a better human, a better violinist… The fact that I’m doing it for my 50th birthday has a nice symbolism, but it doesn’t mean this is a definitive interpretation. It’s a snapshot of today – Renaud Capuçon playing Bach at 50!”

In recording the sonatas and partitas, often regarded as among the most important pieces ever written for solo violin, Capuçon shares an interpretation that stems from this long-standing adoration for the music of Bach. He conquers every technical and expressive challenge posed by these works known for their kaleidoscopic musical variety and unprecedented melodic, harmonic and rhythmical inventiveness and brings impeccable precision and seemingly infinite interpretative insight to each of the six in turn.

“For as long as I can remember, his music has always calmed and comforted me, while at the same time filling me with feelings of energy and joy. It was with a mixture of serenity and humility that I approached these recording sessions in Berlin. This was a moment of introspection for me, a moment of listening to a voice within myself and of searching for the absolute,” says the violinist.

The album is released digitally and on CD.