Violinist Jennifer Liu presents two movements of J.S. Bach’s Partita No. 1 in B Minor for her House Music Series video. Recorded from her bedroom, Liu’s crisp performance of the lush, buoyant music is mesmerizing, highlighting the delicate textures of Bach’s style. She’s been working with Metropolis Ensemble for many years, since around 2015, and this collaboration was a natural continuation.

Liu chose to perform these movements because of their reflective qualities and rich atmosphere. The movements—Sarabande and Double—are in the style of baroque dances, made evident by their airy rhythms. For Liu, these movements illustrate how resolution comes after turbulence and acceptance of change, which felt fitting for the time we’re in. The opening theme feels open and soars through its shifting melodies and harmonies, eventually returning with a palpable sense of urgency. This narrative arc is what makes the music so compelling, giving it its determined quality. -- Vanessa Ague

 
Episode: 71
Date: December 8, 2020
Artist: Jennifer Liu
Instrumentation: Violin
Work: "Partita No. 1 in B Minor (Sarabande and Double)"
Composer: J.S. Bach
 

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