Album review: Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for solo violin

Bach: Sonatas & Partitas for solo violin, BWV1001-1006
Bojan Čičić (violin)
Delphian DCD34300

Having long enjoyed Bojan Čičić's exploration of lesser-known Baroque composers on Delphian such as Johann Jakob Walther (Gramophone, Oct 22) it comes as no surprise that he has been working towards this splendid recording of Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for violin without bass; cornerstone repertoire with an impressive context. There is also a moving story behind this release: inspired by guitarist Sean Shibe's Gramophone award winning Bach album of 2020, Čičić also recorded in Scotland’s 15th century Crichton Collegiate Church just as lockdowns were easing and this venue makes a considerable contribution to the atmosphere of the disc. Furthermore, Čičić dedicates this album to his teacher from Zagreb, Damir Kukulj who passed away recently.

[...]

This is a wonderful addition to a strong field of baroque performances, technically assured and deeply considered, it's a gentle introspective album: for me it will be the perfect Sonatas and Partitas for the small hours!


For the full text of this feature please see Gramophone magazine (October 2023)