On Sunday, October 19, Chris Thile brought a whimsical energy to a sold-out 92nd Street Y as he continued his celebration of “Bachtober.” Armed with nothing more than his mandolin, quick wit and imagination, the Grammy-winning virtuoso captivated the seated audience for more than 90 minutes—no small feat in a city that rarely sits still.
The genre-defying singer, songwriter and mandolinist played a set that bounced between bluegrass, classical and pop, pulling from Nickel Creek and Punch Brothers favorites alongside selections from his upcoming Bach: Sonatas and Partitas Volume 2. Without a rhythm section, or any accompaniment beyond the occasional stomping of his foot on the stage, Thile held the room in rapt attention, telling stories and jokes between songs.
On a serious note, he reflected on the chaos of the modern world and the refuge that art offers. “Thank you for letting me make you some music in spite of everything that’s going on,” he told the crowd. “Or maybe because of everything that’s going on….”
He also spoke tenderly about his earliest musical influences, crediting his grandmothers, both classical piano teachers, for igniting his lifelong passion for Bach. While Volume 1 adhered closely to the original scores, he noted that the new album, due November 7, allows for more creative freedom.
As he’s done in previous shows, Thile took requests for “fiddle tunes,” stitching together a medley that included “Cattle in the Cane” and “Billy in the Low Ground.” This was followed by a slowed rendition of “Julep,” during which he invited the audience to join in.
Stepping to the edge of the stage, Thile moved away from the microphone for an intimate performance of Bach’s “Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005,” which, he said, a friend had played at his wedding. He dedicated it to loved ones no longer present, sharing that although his grandmother did not live to attend his wedding, “she might be here now.” The hall fell silent.
For the encore, Thile again asked the audience for requests. When a voice in the balcony called out, “Radiohead!”, he borrowed a phone for the lyrics and launched into a spirited performance of “Weird Fishes,” ending the evening on a lighter note.
Thile continues his solo tour through mid-2026, and he remains busy at home in Brooklyn as well. Recently, he has been producing a musical variety show, The Energy Curfew Music Hour, a variety show featuring surprise guest artists.
Setlist: I Made This for You; Partita No. 3 in E Major (J.S. Bach); Calvin and the Ghosties; The Fox (Nickel Creek); Goddamned Saint (Nickel Creek); Partita No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1004; Cattle in the Cane / Billy in the Low Ground; Julep (Punch Brothers); Two Ghost Stories; Sonata No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1005 (J.S. Bach). Encore: Weird Fishes (Radiohead).
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