There is no work like Bach’s Sonatas & Partitas for the solo violin. This set of 12 pieces is revered by all violinists, and only after mastering the instrument does anyone even attempt a recording of it.

James Ehnes is upto the task. Bach doesn’t need the performer to interpret and embellish the performance. For the Goldberg Variations, there’s a reason why Glenn Gould’s performance was ground breaking. He played it precisely the way it’s written without adding excessive phrasing. James Ehnes’s does a similarly spectacular job with the Sonatas and Partitas.

His performance is precise and without ornementation. Many who have grown listening to Perlman or Menuhuin performances will not like Ehnes. His phrasing is precise, and his tone quality clear. His double stopping technique is masterful.

I have enjoyed his performance of this piece immensely. My all time favourite performer of this set is Mintz, but Ehnes’s performance comes up there. Who knows? Maybe in a few years, I’ll like this better. But with Bach, there is always room for more!