Gaspar Cassado. Bach Cello Suites VOX label VBX 15 vinyl 1960
CDX2 5522 rel. 1996.
Introduction.
Auditioned on Spotify Premium.
Having been impressed by the performance of Annelies Schmidt, I was led to investigate some other early recordings and by way of contrast chose this worthy cellist. I feel it not unreasonable to use Spotify as I channel the computer signal into a Musical Fidelity VDAC and then into my hi-fi. Given the age of the original recording I think it unlikely I would miss much, but to be fair I am limiting comments about recording quality.
The Cellist.
Cassado was spotted by Casals at the age of 9 and had lessons from the master. It has to be said there is little in common in with their respective performances. Cassado presents as a very thoughtful considered performer rather than headstrong and opinionated as perhaps Casals might be viewed.
The Music.
There is much in common with the likes of Fournier, although Cassado phrases and shapes in much shorter chunks than Fournier. There is plenty of light and shade to provide interest in the interpretation. The playing sounds distinctly modern in style although I cannot quite put my finger on what gives that impression.
The Good.
The first three Suites are very enjoyable although the Sarabandes and strangely the Gigues are slow, the latter have a rather pedantic feel although seem to speed up after a few bars. The third Suite Bourees are really good renditions which any grade 7 student taking these pieces would do well to note.
The not so good.
However, from the fourth Suite onwards, things go downhill with intonation inaccuracies spoiling enjoyment. This is particularly intrusive in the fourth Prelude where the bass pedal notes seem to be sharp. This is also noticeable in the double stopping sections of later Sarabandes. The sixth Suite is generally a bit ragged it tone and overall performance. This may be due to the increasing technical challenges of the later Suites or some other technicalities, so, in conclusion, I hope I am not doing the man an injustice. As always the performances are on streaming services for you to make your own mind up.
Charles.