Cello Transcriptions: Bach’s Violin Sonata No. 2 & Partita No. 2 at The Bitter End

J.S. Bach’s Violin Sonata No. 2 in A minor and Partita No. 2 in D minor performed in full on the cello. These monumental solo works—originally composed for violin—are presented note for note in the cello’s register, transcribed down an octave and a fifth. The shift unlocks a deeper resonance and a broadened emotional range, revealing new colors and textures within Bach’s intricate counterpoint and expressive architecture.The Sonata No. 2, structured in the Italian sonata da chiesa format, moves between dance-like grace and profound introspection. The Partita No. 2 concludes with the Chaconne, a 15-minute masterwork that stands as one of the most powerful statements in the solo repertoire—a meditation on loss, resilience, and transcendence.This recital is presented by cellist Justin Kantor, whose career bridges performance, advocacy, and entrepreneurship...

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J.S. Bach’s Violin Sonata No. 2 in A minor and Partita No. 2 in D minor performed in full on the cello. These monumental solo works—originally composed for violin—are presented note for note in the cello’s register, transcribed down an octave and a fifth. The shift unlocks a deeper resonance and a broadened emotional range, revealing new colors and textures within Bach’s intricate counterpoint and expressive architecture.The Sonata No. 2, structured in the Italian sonata da chiesa format, moves between dance-like grace and profound introspection. The Partita No. 2 concludes with the Chaconne, a 15-minute masterwork that stands as one of the most powerful statements in the solo repertoire—a meditation on loss, resilience, and transcendence.This recital is presented by cellist Justin Kantor, whose career bridges performance, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. Justin is the co-founder the NYC music venue Le Poisson Rouge, a co-founder of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) and the New York Independent Venue Association (NYIVA), and the creator of VenuePilot, a mission-driven technology platform helping music venues thrive.With nearly two decades of returning to the Chaconne as a personal and artistic anchor, Justin brings both reverence and renewed insight to this rare and intimate program.

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