IV. Instrumental Music
Charles Sanford Terry translation
There are few instruments for which Bach did not write. In his day it was usual to play a Concerto or instrumental Solo during the Communion office.295 Bach composed many of these pieces himself, and always with a view to their improving the technique of the player. Most of them are lost. But two important works of another kind survive and to some extent compensate us. They are:
1. Six Solos for Violin, unaccompanied.296
2. Six Solos for Violoncello, unaccompanied.297 The Violin Solos have long been considered by the finest players to be the best instructor for the instrument. The Violoncello Solos are equally effective.298