Renaud Capuçon's latest album, featuring Bach's solo sonatas and partitas, marks a milestone birthday for the French violinist, who has long been familiar with these works from his childhood. The result is an elegant and thoughtful recording that showcases Capuçon's generous tone, which is suffused with a subtle yet palpable vibrato that adds warmth to his playing.
Throughout the album, tempi remain steady, occasionally relaxed in slower movements but always persuasive. There is a sense of body to his sound, combined with a tasteful restraint when it comes to ornamentation. His phrasing is instinctual and clear, particularly when it comes to articulating Bach's complex fugal passages. Meanwhile, his handling of double stops and prestos is sure-footed without ever resorting to showmanship.
One notable exception to this approach is the dramatic bourrée in the first partita or the concluding allegro of the second sonata, where Capuçon digs deep into the strings to produce a richer sound than Bach might have intended. Nevertheless, even in these moments, the musical cut and thrust remains leavened with delicate touches that hit all the right emotional buttons.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this album is its ability to convey intimacy and reflection, particularly in the majestic chaconne that closes out the D minor partitas. Here, Capuçon finds a lightness and warmth that draws the listener in, creating an unforgettable listening experience. Overall, his recording is a testament to his artistry and deep understanding of these timeless works.
Throughout the album, tempi remain steady, occasionally relaxed in slower movements but always persuasive. There is a sense of body to his sound, combined with a tasteful restraint when it comes to ornamentation. His phrasing is instinctual and clear, particularly when it comes to articulating Bach's complex fugal passages. Meanwhile, his handling of double stops and prestos is sure-footed without ever resorting to showmanship.
One notable exception to this approach is the dramatic bourrée in the first partita or the concluding allegro of the second sonata, where Capuçon digs deep into the strings to produce a richer sound than Bach might have intended. Nevertheless, even in these moments, the musical cut and thrust remains leavened with delicate touches that hit all the right emotional buttons.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this album is its ability to convey intimacy and reflection, particularly in the majestic chaconne that closes out the D minor partitas. Here, Capuçon finds a lightness and warmth that draws the listener in, creating an unforgettable listening experience. Overall, his recording is a testament to his artistry and deep understanding of these timeless works.