Johann Jakob Walther was one of the most significant violinists in Germany in the generation before J.S. Bach, and Bojan ÄiÄiÄ believes his music should be essential listening for anyone seeking a fuller understanding of Bachâs polyphonic writing for the instrument.
Having built their reputation with a series of Delphian recordings focussing on âmissing linkâ composers, ÄiÄiÄ and his Illyria Consort are passionate about bringing Waltherâs collection of Scherzi da violino to the wider audience it deserves.
This first complete recording displays the sheer ambition of Waltherâs opus, with highlights including his demonstration of the violinâs polyphonic potential in the D major sonata (No. III); the joyful playfulness of the end of No. IV; the inventiveness of the Imitatione del cuccu; and â Bojan ÄiÄiÄâs personal favourite â the dramatic melancholy of the final Aria in E minor.
