Violinist
Christian Tetzlaff recorded the sonatas and partitas of J.S. Bach on two occasions, in 1993 for Virgin (subsequently repackaged in 2004 in a four-disc box set with
Ralph Kirshbaum's recordings of the unaccompanied cello suites), and in 2005 for Haenssler Classic. This first outing is not dramatically different than the second, insofar as
Tetzlaff's interpretations in both cases may be considered freely expressive, rhythmically flexible, and somewhat Romantically based, rather than strictly governed by the Baroque dance structures that are the bases of these forms. As far as this style of playing goes, it gives the music a fairly rhapsodic and emotive quality that will appeal to fans of mainstream performances of Baroque music, but will likely leave a middling impression on followers of authentic practice. Even so,
Tetzlaff's playing is not without shape, line, or rhythmic appeal, and the lightness of his bowing, minimal vibrato, and clarity of voice-leading help compensate for any lack of period qualities. It's also good to point out
Tetzlaff's careful handling of double- and triple-stops, which are far from the dreaded bowing and scraping of bad violin playing, but sound quite clean, sweet, and sometimes even bell-like, especially in the lively acoustics of St. George's Church, Brandon Hill, Bristol.