Last June I reviewed James Ehnes’s superb recordings of Ysaÿe’s Solo Violin Sonatas, recorded at his home over a few evenings in the wee small hours. During those same intense sessions Ehnes was also tackling Bach’s solo violin works, which I’m delighted to be welcoming in this review. Now as then, every bar has been thoughtfully pondered, yet the performances are never spoilt by stultifying over-preparation. For example, note the long-breathed phrasing of the First Sonata’s opening Adagio, each chord drawn out for all its worth, the tone full and strong. The fugue is forcefully argued, while the Siciliana is just that, a gently swaying dance rather than a custom-built ‘slow movement’ (which it isn’t). As for the brilliant closing Presto, if heard live on form like this Ehnes would no doubt bring the house down. In the First Partita I love the way he quietens his tone at the start of the Allemanda’s second half, marking a significant change in colour.