Violinist Ilya Gringolts created a sensation with his 2002 recording of J.S. Bach's works for solo violin (Partitas No. 1 and No. 3 and Sonata No. 2). Describing Gringolts' performance of these works as astonishing and powerful, critics were particularly impressed by his ability to transcend the purely technical obstacles and introduce his listeners to the infinite spiritual richness of Bach's music for solo violin. But there is something uncanny and unique about the technique itself. As violinists and cellists know, playing Bach is an acrobatic experience. Listening to Gringo...