Bach: The Violin Concertos by Nathan Milstein (2026 Remastered, New-York 1964-1966)

J. S. Bach is estimated to have composed at least six violin concertos, but only three have survived. All three are included in this album. These works date from the Köthen period (1717–1723), during which Bach composed many instrumental pieces. They show the influence of Italian composers such as Vivaldi and Corelli and take the form of concertos for string ensemble and basso continuo, written in the traditional three-movement fast–slow–fast structure.

The Sonata BWV 1037 consists of four movements — Adagio, Alla breve, Largo, and Gigue. Once considered a work by Bach, it is now attributed, according to later research, to Johann Gottlieb Goldberg, a pupil of the composer. Nevertheless, it remains a work of high quality and is valued as a rare addition to the repertoire for two violins.

Nathan Milstein was not a violinist with a particularly broad repertoire. Very faithful to his own artistic standards and rather conservative in his tastes, he devoted himself primarily to the Baroque and Romantic works he truly loved. It is said that he maintained a deep lifelong affection for J. S. Bach and his music.

This remastered edition stands in striking day-and-night contrast to the original release, which was far too aggressive in sound. String instruments are among the most difficult to digitize properly; here, the warmth of the original analog sound has been genuinely preserved.