Arthur Grumiaux - Arthur Grumiaux Plays Bach (2022)

Of the Franco-Belgian school, Arthur Grumiaux is considered to have been one of the few truly great violin virtuosi of the twentieth century. In his relatively short life his achievements were superb. He brought to performances guaranteed technical command, faithfulness to the composer's intent, and sensitivity toward the intricate delineations of musical structure. His fame was built upon extraordinary violin concerto performances and chamber-music appearances with his own Grumiaux Trio. Grumiaux was born in Villers-Perwin, Belgium, in 1921, to a working-class family, and it was his grandfather who urged him to begin music studies at the age of 4. He trained on violin and piano with the Fernand Quintet at the Charleroi Conservatory, where he took first prize at the age of 11.

The following year he advanced his studies by working with Alfred Dubois at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels, and also worked on counterpoint and fugue with Jean Absil. He received his first few major awards prior to reaching the age of 20; he took the Henri Vieuxtemps and François Prume prizes in 1939, and received the Prix de Virtuosité from the Belgian government in 1940. During this time he also studied composition privately in Paris with the famous Romanian violinist Georges Enesco, Menuhin's teacher. His debuts were made in Belgium with the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra playing Mendelssohn's concerto, and in Britain with the BBC Symphonic Orchestra in 1945. Due to the German invasion of his homeland, there existed a short time gap between these two important events. During that time he played privately with several small ensembles, while refraining from public performance of any kind. Regardless of this slight delay in the initiation of his international career, once started, it quickly developed. Following his British debut, he advanced into Belgium academia when he was appointed professor of violin at the Royal Conservatory, where he had once studied. There, he emphasized the importance of phrasing, the quality of sound, and the high technical standards of artistry. Grumiaux's playing has been included on over 30 recordings, nearly all under Philips, although his name is also seen on the labels of EMI, Belart and Music & Arts. The titles on these releases tend to be the compositions of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, and Schubert, and on occasion include works by Ravel and Debussy. One of his greatest joys in life was his partnership with the pianist Clara Haskil. On occasion, the two would switch instruments for a different perspective and relationship. Grumiaux was left with a professional and personal absence when she died from a fall at a train station, en route to a concert with him. In addition to his solo work, he has recorded Mozart quintets with the Grumiaux Ensemble, and various selections with the Grumiaux Trio, comprised of the Hungarian husband-wife duo Georges Janzer (violin) and Eva Czako (cello). His successful performance career led up to royal recognition, as in 1973, he was knighted baron by King Baudouin, for his services to music, thus, sharing the title with Paganini. Despite a struggle with diabetes, he continued a rigorous schedule of recording and concert performances, primarily in Western Europe, until a sudden stroke in Brussels took his life in 1986. At the age of 65, Grumiaux left behind the memory of his elegant and solid musicianship.

Tracklist
1. Sonata in G Major for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1021 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Major for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1021 - 2. Vivace (01:04)
2. Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 - 5. Bourrée (01:14)
3. Sonata in G Major for Violin & Continuo, BWV 1021 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Major for Violin & Continuo, BWV 1021 - 4. Presto (01:23)
4. Sonata in F for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1022 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in F for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1022 - 4. Presto (01:27)
5. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 - 2. Largo (01:25)
6. Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 6. Double (01:26)
7. Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 - 6. Gigue (01:29)
8. Sonata in G Major for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1019a : J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Major for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1019a - 2. Adagio (01:48)
9. Sonata in F for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1022 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in F for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1022 - 3. Adagio (01:57)
10. Sonata in G Major for Violin & Continuo, BWV 1021 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Major for Violin & Continuo, BWV 1021 - 3. Largo (01:57)
11. Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 - 2. Corrente (01:58)
12. Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 5. Sarabande (02:03)
13. Sonata in F for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1022 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in F for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1022 - 2. Allegro e presto (02:03)
14. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 2 in A, BWV 1015 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 2 in A, BWV 1015 - 1. Dolce (02:13)
15. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017 - 1. Siciliano (Largo) (02:22)
16. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 - 3. Siciliana (02:22)
17. Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 8. Double (02:26)
18. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014 - 4. Allegro (02:30)
19. Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 3. Courante (02:29)
20. Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 7. Tempo di Borea (02:29)
21. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 - 4. Adagio (02:30)
22. Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 4. Double. Presto (02:32)
23. Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 - 4. Menuet I-II (02:33)
24. Sonata in G Minor for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1020 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Minor for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1020 - 2. Adagio (02:33)
25. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 - 4. Presto (02:35)
26. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005 - 4. Allegro assai (02:40)
27. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014 - 3. Andante (02:46)
28. Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 - 2. Loure (02:46)
29. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018 - 4. Vivace (02:52)
30. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 2 in A, BWV 1015 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 2 in A, BWV 1015 - 3. Andante un poco (02:53)
31. Sonata in F for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1022 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in F for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1022 - 1. - (02:57)
32. Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 - 3. Gavotte en Rondeau (02:55)
33. Violin Concerto No. 2 in E, BWV 1042 : J.S. Bach: Violin Concerto No. 2 in E, BWV 1042 - 3. Allegro assai (02:54)
34. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005 - 3. Largo (02:58)
35. Sonata in E Minor for Violin (Flute) & Continuo, BWV 1023 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in E Minor for Violin (Flute) & Continuo, BWV 1023 - 3. Gigue (03:07)
36. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014 - 2. Allegro (03:07)
37. Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 - 3. Sarabande (03:07)
38. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 2 in A, BWV 1015 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 2 in A, BWV 1015 - 2. Allegro (03:04)
39. Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 - 1. Allemande (03:07)
40. Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 - 4. Giga (03:07)
41. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 3 in E, BWV 1016 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 3 in E, BWV 1016 - 2. Allegro (03:07)
42. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017 - 3. Adagio (03:09)
43. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 1 In B Minor, BWV 1014 - 1. Adagio (03:16)
44. Sonata in G Major for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1021 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Major for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1021 - 1. Adagio (03:19)
45. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018 - 3. Adagio (03:18)
46. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018 - 2. Allegro (03:21)
47. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 2 in A, BWV 1015 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 2 in A, BWV 1015 - 4. Presto (03:27)
48. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 - 3. Andante (03:29)
49. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 - 3. Allegro (03:29)
50. Sonata in G Minor for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1020 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Minor for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1020 - 3. Allegro (03:33)
51. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017 - 4. Allegro (03:40)
52. Sonata in G Minor for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1020 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Minor for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1020 - 1. Allegro (03:39)
53. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 - 1. Adagio (03:42)
54. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 - 5. Allegro (03:42)
55. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 - 1. Grave (03:43)
56. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 6 in G, BWV 1019 - 1. Allegro (03:47)
57. Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 3 in E Major, BWV 1006 - 1. Preludio (03:47)
58. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 3 in E, BWV 1016 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 3 in E, BWV 1016 - 4. Allegro (03:53)
59. Concerto for Violin, Oboe, and Strings in D minor, BWV 1060 : J.S. Bach: Concerto for Violin, Oboe, and Strings in D minor, BWV 1060 - 3. Allegro (03:52)
60. Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings, and Continuo in D minor, BWV 1043 : J.S. Bach: Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings, and Continuo in D minor, BWV 1043 - 1. Vivace (03:52)
61. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 - 4. Allegro (03:58)
62. Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041 : J.S. Bach: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041 - 1. (Allegro moderato) (03:55)
63. Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041 : J.S. Bach: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041 - 3. Allegro assai (03:57)
64. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005 - 1. Adagio (04:05)
65. Sonata in E Minor for Violin (Flute) & Continuo, BWV 1023 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in E Minor for Violin (Flute) & Continuo, BWV 1023 - 1. - Adagio ma non troppo (04:12)
66. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 3 in E, BWV 1016 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 3 in E, BWV 1016 - 1. Adagio (04:13)
67. Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 1. Allemanda (04:25)
68. Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 1 in B Minor, BWV 1002 - 2. Double (01:57)
69. Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 3 in E, BWV 1016 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord No. 3 in E, BWV 1016 - 3. Adagio ma non tanto (04:28)
70. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 4 In C Minor, BWV 1017 - 2. Allegro (04:38)
71. Sonata in G Major for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1019a : J.S. Bach: Sonata in G Major for Violin (Flute) & Keyboard, BWV 1019a - 1. Cantabile ma un poco adagio (04:57)
72. Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings, and Continuo in D minor, BWV 1043 : J.S. Bach: Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings, and Continuo in D minor, BWV 1043 - 3. Allegro (05:05)
73. Concerto for Violin, Oboe, and Strings in D minor, BWV 1060 : J.S. Bach: Concerto for Violin, Oboe, and Strings in D minor, BWV 1060 - 1. Allegro (05:10)
74. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 1 in G Minor, BWV 1001 - 2. Fuga. Allegro (05:13)
75. Sonata in E Minor for Violin (Flute) & Continuo, BWV 1023 : J.S. Bach: Sonata in E Minor for Violin (Flute) & Continuo, BWV 1023 - 2. Allemande (05:18)
76. Concerto for Violin, Oboe, and Strings in D minor, BWV 1060 : J.S. Bach: Concerto for Violin, Oboe, and Strings in D minor, BWV 1060 - 2. Adagio (05:29)
77. Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018 : J.S. Bach: Sonata For Violin And Harpsichord No. 5 In F Minor, BWV 1018 - 1. - (05:39)
78. Violin Concerto No. 2 in E, BWV 1042 : J.S. Bach: Violin Concerto No. 2 in E, BWV 1042 - 2. Adagio (05:55)
79. Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041 : J.S. Bach: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, BWV 1041 - 2. Andante (06:05)
80. Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings, and Continuo in D minor, BWV 1043 : J.S. Bach: Concerto for 2 Violins, Strings, and Continuo in D minor, BWV 1043 - 2. Largo ma non tanto (06:39)
81. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 2 in A Minor, BWV 1003 - 2. Fuga (07:42)
82. Violin Concerto No. 2 in E, BWV 1042 : J.S. Bach: Violin Concerto No. 2 in E, BWV 1042 - 1. Allegro (07:57)
83. Sonata for Violin Solo No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005 : J.S. Bach: Sonata for Violin Solo No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005 - 2. Fuga (10:41)
84. Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 : J.S. Bach: Partita for Violin Solo No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004 - 5. Ciaccona (13:17)