Bach, JS :: Partita in C minor

'According to the sources available, this highly complex and enigmatic work was not assigned by Bach to any specific instruments and thus offers room for speculation. Some, for example, consider it to be a lute suite, though it exceeds the scope of this instrument. For the majority of the movements, the combination of melody instrument and basso continuo offers the most convincing version. The expressive and insistent opening motif of the first movement, the elegant fugue, and the Sarabande, which quotes a famous motif from the St. Matthew Passion, offer ample opportunity for communication and dialogue between two equal partners. The Double of the last movement, however, is more reminiscent of a work for solo keyboard instrument, in the vein of the concertante virtuosity of Domenico Scarlatti In his solo here, the harpsichordist gives occasion for the highest admiration.'

 - Jermias Schwarzer; Recorder Recital