Georg Gulyas Plays Bach

The Chaconne was composed in Cöthen north of Leipzig about 1720 and forms part of the Partita No. 2 in D minor for solo violin. Since this particular movement distinguishes itself from the other parts of the suite, both in character and length, it is commonly performed alone. Numerous composers have paid homage to this work by transcribing it for every possible instrument and ensemble

The Suite in E Minor and the Suite in C Minor, composed sometime between1707-17 and 1740-41 respectively, have been the subject of a great deal of speculation since no manuscripts of the works inBach's hand have been discovered. Nevertheless,scholars are agreed that the suitesreally were composed by Johann SebastianBach though whether he actually intendedthem for the lute is still a matterfor discussion. Perhaps Bach himself would not have expended much time on such speculation since he freely transcribed his works for different instruments often shifting to keys that best suited the intended instrument.

"Having now worked so intensively with Bach's music in preparing this recording, I have again been reminded that his compositions constantly offer new discoveries. And this is one of the reasons why it is so rewarding to return yet again to his music, however familiar we may believe that we are with it." Georg Gulyás