Bach: Cello Suites 2-5

Advantages: to add great music in to your collection
Disadvantages: None

...Steven Isserlis is an outstanding cellist. When you listen his playing alive, which I did, you can see how he captures you with his playing. I am a professional viola player for twenty years. I have listened many recordings of Bach cello suites from Rostropovich to Peter Bruns. Isserlis plays the suits in a way that you can find something different in his interpretation. Specially the 6th suit. That suit is very difficult to play actually. You should listen and hear it yourself how it flows. I have to also add the price is actually not that expensive. Because you are going to have the six suits which are usually come in two cds and plus interesting piece again by Bach , Cant del Ocells, ( Song of the Birds'). I highly recommend the cd who are interested in solo cello music, Bach or classical music.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Wonderful transcriptions of JS Bach's majestic music; sensitive, tender, vivacious, effortless and fluid playing.
Disadvantages: Nil.

...Balsom has already had her US debut, performing just this January 2006 with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra (Milwaukee? Not New York City and Carnegie Hall? How did they get to be so lucky in Wisconsin! Methinks Ms Balsom needs a better agent/promoter, no?!). FINAL VERDICT: I give this disc an unqualified, insanely enthusiastic recommendation with all thumbs and great toes up, for all lovers of Bach and/or the trumpet. Total, absolute must-have recording. [For more complete background info on Alison Balsom, please scroll down the page to the BBC Radio 3 article.] CD DETAILS: BACH: WORKS FOR TRUMPET Alison Balsom EMI Classics 5 58047 2 (CD) / 5 58047 5 Concerto in D Major (after Vivaldi) BWV 972: 1 Allegro 2 Adagio 3 Allegro Assai 4 Sarabande (from Cello Suite No.2 BWV 1008) 5 Gigue (from Cello Suite No.2 BWV 1008) 6 Aria... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Beautiful relaxing music. Rich instrumentation. Played with passion.
Disadvantages: Not all instruments are from the period.

...and I would have personally preferred more period instruments but it is good - very very good and at a budget price is excellent value. The 2CD album is readily available at most good music shops and also online with a retail price of £8.99. Samples of each of the concertos is available on http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000000UUW/ref=sr111/104-2152696-9047139?%5Fencoding=UTF8. Lay back, listen and delight. Now lets see if the café has that desert island category.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful