Bach - Works for Solo Violin and Cello

This masterclass is a rare immersion in Bach's music for solo strings, guided by one of the leading interpreters of the Baroque. Rachel Podger coaches five young string players through cornerstones of the repertoire, sharing the musical sensitivity, virtuosity and period-style insight that you can bring to your own playing of this demanding music.

Two violin works anchor the class: the Partita No. 2 in D Minor, famous above all for its towering fifth movement, the Chaconne, and the Partita No. 3 in E Minor - the last of the six Sonatas and Partitas and perhaps the most famous, with its prompt, technical prelude and celebrated Loure. From the Six Suites for unaccompanied cello, composed between 1717 and 1723, Podger turns to the Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major and the Cello Suite No. 5 in C Minor. Long prized for their pedagogical value, these suites draw out all the polyphonic possibilities of the instrument and have been played by the greatest cellists.

Podger is one of the most creative talents to emerge in period performance, a leading interpreter of the Baroque and Classical periods with numerous recordings to her name. Her recordings of Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin and his Sonatas for Violin and Harpsichord (with Trevor Pinnock) were both awarded first place by the BBC's 'Building a Library'. She is Professor of Baroque Violin and an Honorary Member at the Royal Academy of Music in London.

Students: Colin Scobie, Violin; George Clifford, Baroque Violin; Violeta Barrena, Violin; Hetti Price, Baroque Cello; Vladimir Waltham, Baroque Cello.

In partnership with The Masterclass Media Foundation Archives, which provides a valuable educational resource in order to perpetuate musical passion and knowledge from one generation to another. [MMF043]