Bach - Solo Cello Suites -
Though they were long misunderstood as mere technical hurdles, Bach's Six Suites for
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unaccompanied cello are among those rare works of music that offer inexhaustible rewards for performer and listener alike. Yo-Yo Ma gave a pathbreaking account of the Suites back in the 1980s, but returns to them here impelled by a unique and interdisciplinary approach. For this project, Ma engaged the talents of artists in different fields--ranging from a landscape artist to a Kabuki actor and figure skaters--to produce six short films as a visual correlative for the highly distinctive character of each Suite. While the success of the films in illuminating Bach's creativity is decidedly uneven, Ma brings the music itself to life with a searing, quasi-vocal eloquence. His interpretations are probing, characterised by imaginative bowing and attention to the spacious architecture of Bach's score. This is especially clear in Ma's preference for broad, expansive tempos and patient spinning of filigreed detail. True, the generally Romantic cast of his conception can seem overdone and exaggerated in statement, as if Ma is more intent on overlaying his own personality on the discipline of the music. But the prayerful, meditative concentration he brings to the Sarabandes--listen to the single-lined, anguished tone painting in Suite 5--is utterly convincing. There is a sense of profound introspection here, while in the Sarabande of Suite 6 Ma's phrasing suggests we are in the same spiritual terrain as Beethoven's late quartets. Yet there is no lack of blistering energy and extroverted high spirits in some of the more overtly dance-oriented movements. While purists may complain of distortion in these accounts, Ma once again proves he has something vital to say with this music. --Thomas May
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 Bachcellosuites 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....
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Highly burnished, engaging, musically intelligent and emotionally mature playing; beautiful tone is never saccharine. Disadvantages: Nil.
...and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, does justice to all the Elgar pieces here. I can reassure devotees of the du Pré recording of Elgar's Cello Concerto that Ms Clein's vibrant reading will not disappoint at all, and warmly recommend it as a welcome addition to their library.
Although this isn't Ms Clein's first CD release, it might be her most impressive, if only for the unqualified success she's gained with the Cello Concerto. While I expect to explore more of her CDs, labels like 'The Romantic Cello' do not exactly entice this listener to rush out to snap up a copy.
Right now, I'm hoping really hard that a recording of J. S. Bach's cello sonatas is in the offing. As for the album under present review, it's one that will please all comers. That's five glowing stars for a job well done.
Extra: See a music video...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Beautiful relaxing music. Rich instrumentation. Played with passion. Disadvantages: Not all instruments are from the period.
...is completely different with an unexpected but delectable quartet of trumpet, recorder, oboe, and violin soloists set against the main body of strings and continuo.
The third concerto is more conventional and straightforward using just three violins, three violas and three cellos with harpsichord and bass continuo. Each of the three instruments are given equal dominance and the music flows almost conversationally between rising to a boisterous bursts of energy.
In the fourth concerto, recorders are heard in the distance over the stringed accompaniment. The recorders, played by brothers Christopher and Richard Taylor (famous for playing flutes with the Beatles on Fool on the Hill and Magical Mystery Tour) with clarity and precision, exude an irresistible charm and sweetness. This is often considered to be the lightest and prettiest...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
very helpful 13.04.2006
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