Bach’s entire solo violin works is the violinist’s equivalent of an ultramarathon and Jonathon Glonek was wise to split his ultramarathon into two concerts spread over a week. Nevertheless, Glonek upped the ante and impressed by performing without a score. In terms of the program, Week 2 was the lucky draw for first timers like myself with the challenging Partita No 2 in D Minor followed by the eloquent Sonata No 3 in C Major and finally, the joyous Partita No 3 in E Major.

Jonathon Glonek

The D Minor Partita is daunting and perhaps nerves got the better of Glonek, who had momentary problems with intonation and pitch in the Allemande and Courante, exacerbated perhaps by launching in at too rapid a tempo. Given the intricate architecture of Bach’s construction, the listener needs to hear and appreciate the bricks and the building. Glonek regrouped in the Sarabande where the adagio pace allowed him to emote more passionately. The Gigue was strong and then Glonek took a short rest before tackling the Chaconne, the ‘Everest’ of solo violin playing. Unfortunately, some of the problems at the start re-emerged here. However, at the...