All Saints, Hove, 4 May 2015

Bach’s cello suites are regularly performed but the solo works for violin are far rarer. No wonder then that All Saints was sold out for a two part recital which included the three sonatas and three partitas for solo violin.

The works are as demanding of the listener as they are of the performer if one is to fully appreciate the complexity of the writing and the virtuosity of the soloist. Isabelle Faust opened in somewhat austere fashion with the Sonata No 1 in G minor, the Adagio having an acidic edge to it which was only relieved by the following Fuga. The Siciliana was equally reserved and introspective, a mood which continued until the flourish of the final Presto at last brought a touch of warmth.

The Partita No1 in B minor is in a different world altogether. A dancelike joy filled the opening Allemande and the second part (the double) had a charmingly floating, flowing line. The Corrente was more robust with the double positively racing at breakneck speed. Here, and in all the rapidly articulated passages, Isabelle Faust showed a technical mastery which was utterly captivating. The Sarabande returned us to a more reserved if not quite courtly style before the double produced a wandering, almost improvisatory, line which insisted we follow to the end. The final Tempo di Borea brought an unexpected liveliness and attack which continued through the double to the end of the work.

Sonata No2 in A minor is a more approachable work that the first, the opening Grave having a fine sense of lift to the phrasing and a wonderfully hushed ending. The Fuga built on this mood as it appeared to spiral ever further upwards before the sublime lyricism of the Andante unfolded in all its polyphonic splendour. The final Allegro had fire and a sense of virility which brought the first part of the evening to a magnificent and enthusiastically received conclusion.

In the second part, which followed almost two hours later, Isabelle Faust played the second and third Partitas and the third Sonata. Unfortunately I was not able to stay for these – very much my loss I am sure.