Concert Review: Because It's There

Kyung-Wha Chung plays Bach.
by Paul J. Pelkonen

Mountan ear: Kyung-Wha Chung and friend.
Photo from ICA courtesy International Classical Artists.

When Johann Sebastian Bach, a superb violinist, wrote the six Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin, he intended for these works to be an instructional tool, a manual to challenge students and further their abilities on the stringed instrument. It was not until the 19th century (when the works were first published) and the rise of the string virtuoso that playing all six works, in a public recital became a challenge that appealed to every violinist looking to establish or further their reputation.