Search - Johann Sebastian Bach :: Bach: Cello Suites

Johann Sebastian Bach
Bach: Cello Suites
Genre: Classical

Track Listings (21) - Disc #1
1. Suite for solo cello No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007: Prelude
2. Suite for solo cello No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007: Allemande
3. Suite for solo cello No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007: Courante
4. Suite for solo cello No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007: Sarabande
5. Suite for solo cello No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007: Menuet I
6. Suite for solo cello No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007: Menuet II
7. Suite for solo cello No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007: Gigue
8. Suite for solo cello No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: Prelude
9. Suite for solo cello No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: Allemande
10. Suite for solo cello No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: Courante
11. Suite for solo cello No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: Sarabande
12. Suite for solo cello No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: Menuet I
13. Suite for solo cello No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: Menuet II
14. Suite for solo cello No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: Gigue
15. Suite for solo cello No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009: Prelude
16. Suite for solo cello No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009: Allemande
17. Suite for solo cello No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009: Courante
18. Suite for solo cello No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009: Sarabande
19. Suite for solo cello No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009: Bourree I
20. Suite for solo cello No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009: Bourree II
21. Suite for solo cello No. 3 in C major, BWV 1009: Gigue
Track Listings (21) - Disc #2
1. Suite for solo cello No. 4 in E flat major, BWV 1010: Prelude
2. Suite for solo cello No. 4 in E flat major, BWV 1010: Allemande
3. Suite for solo cello No. 4 in E flat major, BWV 1010: Courante
4. Suite for solo cello No. 4 in E flat major, BWV 1010: Sarabande
5. Suite for solo cello No. 4 in E flat major, BWV 1010: Bourree I
6. Suite for solo cello No. 4 in E flat major, BWV 1010: Bourree II
7. Suite for solo cello No. 4 in E flat major, BWV 1010: Gigue
8. Suite for solo cello No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: Prelude
9. Suite for solo cello No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: Allemande
10. Suite for solo cello No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: Courante
11. Suite for solo cello No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: Sarabande
12. Suite for solo cello No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: Gavotte I
13. Suite for solo cello No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: Gavotte II
14. Suite for solo cello No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: Gigue
15. Suite for solo cello No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012: Prelude
16. Suite for solo cello No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012: Allemande
17. Suite for solo cello No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012: Courante
18. Suite for solo cello No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012: Sarabande
19. Suite for solo cello No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012: Gavotte I
20. Suite for solo cello No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012: Gavotte II
21. Suite for solo cello No. 6 in D major, BWV 1012: Gigue

CD Details

All Artists: Johann Sebastian Bach
Title: Bach: Cello Suites
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Winter & Winter
Release Date: 11/17/1998
Genre: Classical
Styles: Chamber Music, Historical Periods, Baroque (c.1600-1750), Classical (c.1770-1830), Instruments, Strings
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaCD Credits: 2
UPC: 025091002825

Synopsis

Amazon.com

By now, we've heard Bach's six cello suites so many times from so many different performers, things are starting to get blurry. Pablo Casals still owns the definitive--and first--recorded cycle, while János Starker felt the need to record the suites four times, and Yo-Yo Ma did 'em twice. But then, out of nowhere, Italian Paolo Beschi comes along on the German upstart label Winter & Winter with a performance that sounds so damn good that Bach suddenly seems fresh all over again. Beschi's bow action is quick, but his playing is exquisite; simply put, he makes the instrument sing. It helps when you consider how few cellists in the history of classical music have been recorded this perfectly. You can literally hear Beschi's deep breathing during the more demanding later suites. And, though period instruments are one thing, this disc even boasts a period studio--a 17th-century Italian villa. Some listeners may consider this mic'ing too close for comfort, but for those already familiar with the cello suites, it's a gorgeous package. With its dark, woodsy, and oh-so-sonically detailed sound, you'll feel like Beschi is in your living room. --Jason Verlinde

CD Reviews

Superb recording and production of an engaging performance

Mark Dennison | Perth W.Australia | 05/18/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Paolo Beschi offers highly individual, engaging and rewarding performances of the cello suites on two baroque instruments. But beware: He is brilliantly captured by the engineers who manage to reveal every detail. If the artist's breathing or the sound of fingers on wood annoys you - look elsewhere.This is not leisurely Bach or a recording for those who want background music. This performance demands your attention from the opening prelude to the final gigue. Beschi's prelude to the suite No1 is over a minute faster than Fournier's legendary recording. Whereas his sarabande from the sixth is far broader than Fournier.For those who care about such things, the presentation, packaging and recording of these discs is amongst the finest I have ever come across.At less than premium price, highly recommended."

Paolo Beschi is a Genius

Vlanes | Australia | 03/30/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After reading some strange opinions on the Internet about Paolo Beschi's performance of these suites, I was in doubt as to whether it was necessary to buy this set. I am SO happy I decided to take a plunge! I would have missed one of the best experiences of my life.

I firmly believe that Paolo Beschi is a genius. His performance is beyond praise. It is fresh, insightful and stunningly beautiful. Before you know it, the CD ends, and you are left with a sense of amazement and deep pleasure - and your hand is already putting the second CD into the player, or pressing the "play" button again.

By the way, I own 18 sets of Bach's cello suites, and I have heard a thing or two in this area.

Grab it while you can and don't think twice about it!

The W&W package is beautiful, but not very practical, in my humble opinion. The CDs are tricky to put in and take out, the number of scratches on them grows, and the CDs don't hold well. Be sure that your hands are clean when you handle the package - it soils very easily, and it is not a pleasant sensation to see a stain on this gorgeous dark-red box... I decided eventually to put the CDs in separate plastic boxes.

Well, that's all. Enjoy !"

Simply Beautiful.

Josep E. Herzog | Charleston, SC | 03/17/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard a couple of different recordings of Bach's cello suites and found all of them to be beautiful, but nothing like this. This is how music should always be recorded, simple yet intimate, simple yet complex. I have never heard a bow run across strings like this and never have I heard a recording where the sound of finger movements was captured; Beschi's cello is as alive as he is in the later suites. This is simply the most gorgeous recording of one of the most beautiful pieces of all time."