There are many outstanding cycles of Bach’s violin sonatas, and here is another. The best in this crowded field are distinguished by proper balances–the role of each performer must never be subordinate to the other. As both an accomplished harpsichordist and violinist, Bach fully understood the capabilities of both instruments, and with these beautifully crafted works he amply demonstrates how harmonious their dialogue can be. In these performances for instance, Celine Frisch’s clever use of tightly ordered figures during the Andante un poco of the Second sonata and the Adagios of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth sonatas perfectly complements Pablo Valetti’s willowy phrasing. Valetti and Frisch deliver equally imaginative renderings of the faster, more animated movements, such as in the Allegro of the Second sonata and the Vivace of the Fifth, where Frisch’s abundant ornamentation augments Valetti’s rousing Vivaldi-like drive. Like the performers in the reference recordings, Valetti and Frisch are always in agreement, artfully and playfully at the service of Bach.
Valetti and Frisch’s efforts would all be for nought unless the sound engineers gave both performers equal presence in the mix, which they do. As usual, Alpha’s lovely presentation is second to none. In sum, of the more recent recordings of these quintessential sonatas, this is one of the finest.
