Viktoria Munova vn Onyx 0 0NYX4040 (132' • DDD) Stylistic security and superior technique - don't miss Mullova's outstanding Bach
Viktoria Mullova plays but, crucially, with a later model of bow.
These are outstanding performances, however, whatever category they belong to. Mullova brings together several ideal qualities for a Bach player. Firstly, there's a secure sense of style, apparent equally in the rhythm and character of each of the Partitas' dances, and in the ornamented introductory movements of the first two Sonatas. Then there's her superior, virtuoso's technique, producing beautifully precise tuning and, in the fugal movements, finely controlled, varied and euphonious playing of the most densely polyphonic passages. To this we can add her deep musical understanding; by means of subtle emphasis and natural dynamic contrasts, she draws our attention to the beauty of Bach's harmonic progressions and to the balance and grandeur of his designs. Even on the few occasions where Mullova isn't entirely convincing — a somewhat spiky Allemanda in Partita No 1, a meditative Sarabanda in Partita No 2 that doesn't express the piece's stateliness — the poise and sheer quality of the playing remains extremely persuasive.
There have been many fine recent recordings of these works, but this one is definitely not to be missed. Duncan Druce. Gramophone. May 2009: Pag 90
CD1 Sonata No. 1 in G minor BWV1001 Partita No. 1 in B minor BWV1002 Sonata No. 2 in A minor BWV1003 CD2 Partita No. 2 in D minor BWV1004 Sonata No.3 in C Major BWV1005 Partita No. 3 in E Major BWV1006
