Csaba Onczay. Bach Cello Suites. Naxos 8.550677 & 8.550678. Released in 2 vols 1993/4.
Recorded at the Unitarian Church Budapest between Oct 1992 and June 1994.
Csaba Onczay plays a Cello made by Matteo Gofriller bought for the artist by the Hungarian government.
The Cellist.
Onczay came to the fore in the 1970s and has an international career. Although he is perhaps a lesser known cellist particularly in the United Kingdom, on the strength of these performances of the Bach Cello Suites we have missed out on a very accomplished performer.
The recording.
Firstly,the acoustic of this recording is well balanced with a clear Church ambience giving modest echo. However, the instrument is set a little further back than in many recordings. Nevertheless, combined with Onczay’s silky and smooth tone, this gives a very pleasing quality to the sound. Even across the range of the music, this allows the artist to convey the dynamics of his performance clearly.
Secondly, as suggested above, Onczay’s style is more romantic than baroque, with vibrato and legato playing particularly in the Preludes. In addition, the dance movements are very well articulated and the Courantes particularly very rhythmic.
Deeper analysis.
In many ways these performances are very orthodox with few surprises. However, on listening closely I found much to admire and enjoy. The phrasing and shaping of the music is very musical, highlighting just the right notes to emphasise the chord progressions. In this way I was able to perceive a sense of momentum and drive that draws me in to the performances. I believe this to be a recording that rewards concentrated listening. For instance, to not give it full attention is a recipe to miss out on the subtlety of the performance leading some to even suggest it is boring!
Highlight!
A highlight for me was the Allemande from the sixth Suite which contained passages of great tenderness and emotion. Whilst not necessarily authentic Bach it is certainly food for the soul!
Conclusion.
In summary, if this is the only version you have in your collection, you will not be disadvantaged. You will have an honest, highly musical and enjoyable version which will reward repeated listening. Not only right up there with Fournier and Tortelier in my opinion, but as refined as the recording by Truls Mork.
Follow this link to give more insight into this artist who appears not to be a self promoter, judging by the lack of information on the internet.
https://www.mycello.it/en/csaba-onczay/
Charles