3 ms·

The piece is the prelude of Bach's first cello suite. The thirty-five other movements in the Bach cello suites are equally beautiful, but it is mainly this move

The piece is the prelude of Bach's first cello suite. The thirty-five other movements in the Bach cello suites are equally beautiful, but it is mainly this movement that is played. While my cello playing was originally inspired by Ma's interpretation of the cello suites, I now find his rendition of them a bit insipid. I suggest checking out Pablo Casals' interpretation - he popularized the Bach suites, and the recordings are beautiful. Rostropovich also played them fairly well. If I had to pick a Bach cello suite movement for such a video, it would be the Sarabande from the 6th suite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3dgACCAzwM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3dgACCAzwM Edit: I changed my mind, I would go with the Sarabande from the 1st suite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvOo0cS8w10 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvOo0cS8w10

telemachos 14y ago
I was lucky enough to hear Rostropovich play the 5th cello suite live once. I would rank his performance a lot better than "fairly well", but tastes vary. Another favorite performance of mine for those suites is Anner Bylsma[1]. He uses a more historically accurate instrument than most modern versions. I don't necessarily think that makes other versions bad, but it does make his (or one like it) worth trying. [1]: http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Suites-Cello-BWV-1007-1012/dp/B0000027TV/ http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Suites-Cello-BWV-1007-1012/dp/B00...
singlow 14y ago
I also prefer the Casals recordings, although I have yet to meet anyone who is not a cello player that had the same opinion.
oceanic 14y ago
I absolutely love that this thread has gone from "nyah Apple's a patent troll" to discussing Rostropovich and Bach cello suites. Well played HNers.
christofd 14y ago
Pierre Fournier does a super smooth rendering of all the suites... he's like a French machine, technically perfect & soulful interpretation. especially the 6th preludium is a joy to hear as he climbs up the stairway. yeah, Casals is the man. don't like rostropovich rendition IMHO. currently playing those Suites on a Carbon Fiber Luis & Clark instrument - luisandclark.com

telemachos 14y ago

I was lucky enough to hear Rostropovich play the 5th cello suite live once. I would rank his performance a lot better than "fairly well", but tastes vary. Another favorite performance of mine for those suites is Anner Bylsma[1]. He uses a more historically accurate instrument than most modern versions. I don't necessarily think that makes other versions bad, but it does make his (or one like it) worth trying. [1]: http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Suites-Cello-BWV-1007-1012/dp/B0000027TV/ http://www.amazon.com/Bach-Suites-Cello-BWV-1007-1012/dp/B00...

singlow 14y ago

I also prefer the Casals recordings, although I have yet to meet anyone who is not a cello player that had the same opinion.

oceanic 14y ago

I absolutely love that this thread has gone from "nyah Apple's a patent troll" to discussing Rostropovich and Bach cello suites. Well played HNers.

christofd 14y ago

Pierre Fournier does a super smooth rendering of all the suites... he's like a French machine, technically perfect & soulful interpretation. especially the 6th preludium is a joy to hear as he climbs up the stairway. yeah, Casals is the man. don't like rostropovich rendition IMHO. currently playing those Suites on a Carbon Fiber Luis & Clark instrument - luisandclark.com