Bach Cello Suites,

The Music:

Not wanting to repeat or attempt to emulate what has already gone before and to a very high standard, we would commend the following:

The Cello suites In search of a Baroque Masterpiece by Eric Siblin ISBN 9781846553561.

This book is made up of three elements: A history of the origin and composer of the Suites. Biography of Pablo Casals credited with bringing the suites to the masses. Finally, a personal odyssey to learn to play the suites from scratch.

It is interesting that the author of the book, Eric Siblin had previously been a pop critic. To me, this is not surprising as I feel there is much which the Suites have in common with Jazz and rock, with similar focus on chords and rhythm. There is huge potential for improvisation and variation around the basic structure of the notation. This is encouraged by the lack of directions in the original scripts.

Some other worthwhile sources of information relating to the Suites.

   (click on below to activate link.)

A survey of Bach Suites for solo Cello editions. By Tim Janof. A lively and instructive description of 7 available editions. Recommended for keen players and very keen listeners.

Tim Janof again. Excellent analysis of the dilemmas of interpretation facing any performer of the Bach Suites for solo Cello. Useful references at the foot of page.

On Line magazine with limited number of recording reviews of the Suites.

Would you believe a list of copyright free music available on line starting with the Cello Suites?

Brilliant web site by Marianne Dumas. Difficult to do the site justice just click and visit!

A useful site which helps   to clarify the issues of style and interpretation. Certainly relevant to performances of the Bach cello suites.

For those who wish to know more about Bach and his life.

An artist web site by  Steven Isserlis which sets the bar very high. Even includes a quiz!

Here is a web site created  by the cellist George Mertens who himself has recorded the Bach Cello Suites. It must have taken years to create! It has wide ranging topics including very detailed  analysis and advice about playing the Suites.

Click here for an interesting attempt to objectify the differences between successive recordings by that small number of artists who have published more than one recording of the Suites. We think you will be fascinated  if a little sceptical initially!

NEW!!!

The cello museum. Fascinating on line magazine with useful whats on section and much else.

NEWER!!

Check out this blog site by Rolf Kyburz. Amongst many diverse topics relating to mainly classical music he is comparing recordings of the Bach cello Suites of a large number of artists Suite by Suite! He is about half way there.