Rachael Beesley Solo Violin Recital – Sonata, Partita & Passacaglia

Violinist Rachael Beesley performs heavenly works by 18th Century musicians.

Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas for violin alone are a true exploration of what possibilities are available for this instrument. Completed by 1720 but not published until 1802, the French style dance movements of the D minor Partita Allemanda – Corrente – Sarabanda – Giga, all consist of two parts repeated to offer more chance for the listener (and dancer) to explore the intricacies of Bach’s exquisite writing while the G minor Sonata explores the Italian style of writing Adagio – Fuga – Siciliana – Presto, in the pattern of the sonata da Chiesa (church sonata).

Bracketed by these well-known works by Bach is the soulful Passacaglia by Biber, which tells the story of the Guardian Angel as the final moment of the Mystery of the Rosary Sonatas. Biber explores the rich sonorities and varied instrumental colours through a series of variations, bringing Baroque affects to life in this elevated composition.