Jascha Heifetz Master Classes

S01E08

Heifetz Master Class; 8; Varoujon Kodjian Plays Bach and Beethoven

Mr. Kodjian is an Armenian born Lebanese national who is in this country for the special purpose of studying with Mr. Heifetz. He performs Bach Partita No. 2 D Minor and Chaconne. Bachs six solo Sonatas and Partitas for unaccompanied violin are as uncommonly difficult to play as their mastery is rewarding. The extraordinary difficulty which this solo music presents impelled violinists to develop almost a special phase of technique to conquer them. The music itself is so supremely great and noble that violinists regard performances of these works as the most convincing proof of the powers of the instrument as well as of interpretation. The Sonatas are sequences of abstract forms whereas the Partitas are sequences of dance forms. The famous Chaconne is the last movement of Partita No. 2 in D Minor and easily one of musics masterpieces, as well as one of the most difficult interpretive pieces ever composed for the violin as a solo instrument.