Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
About Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
The Sonatas and Partitas for Violin Solo by J.S. Bach offer infinite possibilities for expressive interpretation while presenting many technical challenges for the violinist.
In this workshop, we will:
- Explore tips and tricks (and a few secrets) for beautiful chords, smooth string crossings, and other technical challenges presented in these great works.
- Identify clear paths toward interpretive choices based on easily identifiable principles of harmony and counterpoint.
- Discover how these choices lead to the most compelling and expressive performances.
All violinists, string players, and Bach enthusiasts are welcome! Bring your instrument for some impromptu coaching on any passage or movement from the Sonatas and Partitas, try out some of the techniques on your own with your microphone turned off, submit questions in the chat, or simply watch and enjoy!
Suggested editions: Wiener Urtext Edition (print), Henle (print or Henle app), Bärenreiter (print).
Age Range
All Ages
Watch a Class Excerpt
When
Sessions on Sundays at 7pm ET | 4pm PT on the schedule below. Choose the session you'd like to sign up on the dropdown menu above.
Enrolled students receive 30-day access to the video recording of the class.
How It Works
Enroll from this page and we will send you the Zoom link to join. Students can connect to the live session using a tablet or computer with reliable internet. To actively participate online students also need a webcam with microphone. The class recording will be available to enrolled students within 48 hours of the live session. The class is covered by the Lessonface Guarantee.
Students Say
Daniel R. on November 12, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Several take aways I had from the class were (1) The use of Brush stroke generally using the arm, not just he hand. This applied also to playing chords (2) Preparing chords with left hand finger preparation. U learn a lot from Garrett's demonstrations.
Barbara M. on October 23, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Verified Student on October 23, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Garrett is very knowledgeable and clear on his explanation which you can easily apply to other difficulties you might have on Bach (and to even other composers). All string players can appreciate for his creative ideas and solutions for their playing. I’ll come back for his next classes for sure!
YIXI Z. on October 23, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Fantastic class. As always, prof. Fischbach shared his expertise in violin in general and Bach solos in particular in an engaging and supportive manner. The Qs &As session was also addressed audience questions in depth with insights and clarity. While I wish the attendees could be larger, something Lessonface might wish to explore so as to reach to a broader audience, the recording is definitely a great feature that will allow future reviews. Overall, definitely a 10 star class👏
Verified Student on April 25, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Very helpful
YIXI Z. on April 24, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Extraordinary! I have been studying with Garrett Fischbach as a private student for over a year now and I am still learning tons from this workshop. His great insights into Bach combined with his fantastic teaching skills were nicely exemplified during this workshop.
Kelly on April 24, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Almost two hours of teaching about J.S. Bach's solo violin sonate, this free workshop by Mr. Garrett Fischbach explored how harmonic structures guide interpretation from simple to more elaborate patterns; how to approach complex chords with left and right hand techniques like small transitional LH finger positions and brushing rather than landing the bow vertically; the role of trills and to begin on whichever of the notes expressed the most instability and therefore interest; to maintain the pace and not give undue weight or time if the harmonic structure is unchanged; the role of e slurs as harmonic more than melodic devices that emphasise a harmonically important note through ornamentation but aren't simply ornamental; a method for reducing bow shakes by playing the bow on a curve than on a plane; and finally the very fascinating self-designed and made shoulder pad that not only allows for horizontal tilting of the violin but also increased resonance at desired moments. I hope to improve enough to be able to participate in a workshop actively in future. Thank you Garrett.
Verified Student on April 24, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Verified Student on April 24, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Verified Student on April 24, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
He was excellent! With a lot of detail and very clear on his explanations. Felt like I attended a really good college seminar.
Kelly J. on January 31, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
I feel very lucky and grateful to have been able to listen live to the two very advanced students' amazing performances of movements from Bach's solo violin sonatas, and doubly so to have then the opportunity of learning Garrett Fischbach's concepts, clearly and kindly explained, in terms of Bach's harmonic structures, rhythms and characteristic devices of expression relevant to each student's particular problem. By being a silent and invisible audience member on Zoom, I was able to take notes, get up and stretch while listening, have a cup of tea, hum or copy movements demonstrated without disturbing others. I only regret I was not able to stay for the extra time given to Ms. Yuans's Chaconne instructions but I can still review the recording over the next 30 days.
zeyu Y. on January 31, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
It is so great! Very helpful!
Yixi Z. on January 31, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
I never miss Garrett’s masterclass and always look forward to more. This is why: As always, during this masterclass Garrett showed his deep understanding in Bach’s works and with exquisite taste in his interpretations. He has surgical precision in spotting students’ issues, providing insightful and effective solutions with great clarity. The gentle and kind manner combined with the highest standard to inspire and challenge his students, it makes studying with Garrett the most rewarding experience for serious students at any age. His energy and passion for teaching are also contagious.
Kyle on January 31, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Great and I feel like I learned something! The most important thing I took away was how to voice quadruple stops and not crunch them.
Verified Student on January 31, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Barbarf M. on January 31, 2023
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
delightful and instructive
Verified Student on October 31, 2022
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Kelly J. on October 27, 2022
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
I have been watching the recording of the masterclass to study the BWV1004:1 Allemanda more closely. Having a month to keep studying the recording is really important to fit into my schedule and time zone. I really loved Garrett's advice about focusing on harmonic events and voicing, because it's exactly what I've been thinking about lately, trying to work out how to emphasise or communicate hamonically. I want to know why is there an E flat recurrent in 17-20? I will ask Garrett !
Barbara M. on October 25, 2022
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
YIXI Z. on October 23, 2022
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
As always, Prof Fischbach's teaching is extremely clear, insightful, thought-provoking and helpful. This masterclass exemplified that each student would not only learn the specific technical issues and musical ideas from Prof Fischbach, but also in a way have changed into a better musician. Evidently students went away with greater respect towards the music and gratitude towards Prof. Fischbach, and they became happier musicians because they are inspired by and have fun working with this fantastic teacher.
YIXI Z. on May 24, 2022
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Fantastic! Look forward to more in future.
Verified Student on January 29, 2022
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
I love how in depth and thorough Garrett is with each movement of the Partitas and Sonatas that's being worked on. I'll definitely try to experiment with the difference nuances that were being discussed in each of the Bach movements.
Lei X. on January 16, 2022
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
I played the Bach g minor Adagio and Fuga, I feel so happy that I learn the way to solve the problems about the connection between chords and chords and why my soprano in the counterpoint are so sharp. I change the mind suggested by Prof. Fischbach. I feel so happy because I find the right way to practice and play. It's very useful lesson. I advised students can connect with Prof. Fischbach. He is a good guy and may give you some nice and funny thoughts.
Russell H. on September 8, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
I thoroughly enjoyed this class! This is my first time performing in a masterclass, and I can safely say that I'll be participating in a lot more of them in the future. There's so much to learn in Garrett's Bach class, especially in how to interpret Bach's pieces and how to utilise efficient violin technique when playing Bach's pieces. Thank you for hosting such a great series of classes! I'm looking forward to more of them in the future.
Albert R. on August 21, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Excellent
Russell H. on August 5, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
I've learnt a lot in the masterclass! Garrett taught me a unique way of approaching Bach while making it as seamless as possible. It was extremely valuable knowledge. Thanks again for the lesson Garrett!
David R. on August 4, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Probably the best Class Garrett Fischbach has given so far, even though it wasn't the Bach Chaconne. Tremendous ideas on right arm Bowing and Left-hand, too. Class very similar to Jascha Heifetz' Master Classes, with even more advice. Thank U, Garrett.✨
David R. on July 10, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Perhaps his greatest greatest Class, on the monumental Bach Solo Chaconne. He gave fantastic suggestions regarding the bow arm, to feel a lighteness and Arm supported. Dounis ideas? Anyhow a memorable Master Class. Thanks, Garrett!🥀
Maria A. on June 2, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
David R. on May 9, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Caleb F. on May 7, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
This Bach masterclass was wonderful. Mr. Fishbach’s warmth and meticulous attention to detail provide compelling insight and inspiration- I recommend him to everyone!
David R. on May 5, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Fabulous teacher. He’s very kind and doesn’t demean the player. He concentrates on the Music and demonstrates ways to achieve it technically.🎻
Harmonnia J. on April 15, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Garrett's Bach masterclass was insightful and inspiring. He encourages me to think outside the norm and motivates me to work harder at the finer details. He gives helpful solutions and is always encouraging. Thank you very much, Garrett! I can't wait to work with you again!
Anna on April 8, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
The Masterclass with Garrett was supremely high quality. I received many valuable insights! Will subscribe again! Thank you!
Albert R. on March 6, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
I had a great time and Garret was incredibly generous with his deep dive into Bach interpretations. It was truly a free and eye-opening experience. I am happy to come back to his masterclasses as a spectator and a participant if possible or place is available.
David R. on February 4, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
His First Class on Mozart 5th Concerto “prepared” me for his Bach Class. Both totally changed my Approach to the Instrument. You must think of the Music and how U want to play it. After discussion (using Harmonic ideas, too), Garrett demonstrates ways of achieving it, using Bowing, left-hand, etc. Thus, U also greatly improve Ur Technique. He’s very kind. Already, when I pick up my Violin to play, I’m a new, different player because oh him.🥀
Lynn K. on February 4, 2021
Class: Bach Sonatas and Partitas Violin Workshop
Garrett is incredibly knowledgeable and is so thorough with his analysis, discussion, and teaching methods! I got so much out of this class. Thanks so much, Garrett!
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Garrett Fischbach
I am a tenured member of the Grammy Award–winning Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. I offer inspiring violin and viola lessons for enthusiastic intermediate and advanced players, whether they are pursuing careers in music or playing simply for the enjoyment music brings to their life.
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