It was only recently that Gil Shaham began performing Bach sonatas and partitas for an audience, though he had studied them as a student, and often encored a movement after a concerto performance. He recorded these pieces on a new release as a two-CD collection, Sonatas and Partitas for the Violin by Johann Sebastian Bach, available on his Canary label.

"I discovered that there is no greater pleasure than playing Bach, there is no greater joy...Nothing is more engrossing, nothing is more fulfilling." 

Shaham has adjusted his 1699 Stradivarius, as well as his playing, to form a more authentic, Baroque sound. He uses a much older, Baroque bow with a re-fashioned bridge and gut strings. He says these modifications have "changed my playing completely." 

KMFA's Jeffrey Blair talked with Gil Shaham about his fresh take on tempo, and his unique interpretation of Bach that has a distinct mix of modern and baroque. You can hear excerpts from Shaham's new release, interlaid with more of their interview by listening above.