The almost 100 arias, ensembles, and choruses from Bach’s vocal oeuvre that feature one or two solo violins (or violino piccolo) not only include some of his most beautiful music but also represent an integral, invaluable part of the violin repertoire. In addition to instrumental virtuosity, these movement require from the player a deep understanding of their theological message.
Recordings:
“Erbarme Dich” (“Have Mercy”) from the St. Matthew Passion
Eula Beal (alto), Yehudi Menuhin (violin)
with “Symphony Orchestra, Hollywood,” Antal Dorati (cond.).From Paul Gordon’s 1948 movie “Concert Magic,” the very first concert film ever (see the documentary).
A moving performance of what is arguably Bach’s most beautiful aria with violin, with impeccable singing from the phenomenal alto and beautiful, expressive violin playing from Menuhin. (Unfortunately the pitch is a halftone too high, as it is on many old movies). Other great recordings are with Marga Höffgen/Stuttgart CO, Helen Watts/Menuhin, Kathleen Ferrier/Vienna SO/Karajan (live, 1950), Marilyn Horne (1969), Christa Ludwig/Philharmonia Orch./Klemperer (1962), and Julia Hamari/Otto Büchner/Karl Richter (1971).
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Arias from Cantatas 36, 58, 84, 97, 105, 115, 171, 187, 197, 202, 204, Mass in B minor
Kathleen Battle (sop.), Itzhak Perlman (violin)
with Orchestra of St. Luke, John Nelson. “The Bach Album,” Deutsche Grammophon 1991
Edition:
Johann Sebastian Bach, Violin Solos from the Sacred Vocal Works (Sacred Cantatas, Masses, Passions, and Oratorios). Based on the Urtext of the New Bach Edition. Selected and with fingerings, bowings, and comments on performance by Martin Wulfhorst. Kassel etc.: Bärenreiter 1997. BA 6986. ISNM M 006-49818-5. 2nd rev. ed. 2000, 2. korr. Aufl. 2000.
The edition includes the violin and voice parts for arias, duets, and ensembles with one or two solo violins from Cantatas nos. 32, 51 (2 vns.), 57, 74, 86, 97, 108, 120, 140, 147, 158, 171, Mass in B minor, St. Matthew Passion, Christmas Oratorio (1 and 2 vns.). The edition is intended both for orchestral studies and as performance material.
Arias from Cantatas 32, 58, 59, 117, 140, 157, 204, 205, Mass in B minor, St. Matthew Passion
Christine Schäfer (sop.), Matthias Goerne (bar.), Hilary Hahn (violin)
with Munich CO, Alexander Liebreich.. “Bach Violin and Voice,” Deutsche Grammophon, 2009
Bach • Violin Solos
from the Cantatas, Masses, Passions, and Oratorios