Bach: Cello Suites

Beschi (Artist), Paolo (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 17, 1998)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Winter & Winter
• ASIN: B00000F1S4
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #257,173 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

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

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Superb recording and production of an engaging performance, May 18, 1999

By 

Mark Dennison (Perth W.Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bach: Cello Suites (Audio CD)

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.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Paolo Beschi is a Genius, March 29, 2006

By 

Vlanes (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bach: Cello Suites (Audio CD)

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 !

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars extremely enjoyable, July 17, 2001

By 

Frank Paris (Beaverton, OR USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bach: Cello Suites (Audio CD)

This is the most exciting and original period instrument performance of these suites I've ever heard and I have several other period instrument performances of them. Extremely enjoyable and a lot of fun. I like the extra "percussive" effects you hear of his fingers banging against the wood on his instrument. You can tell he's having as much fun as the listener.