Customer Reviews

Cello Suites

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I set out to try and get a copy of the "rosette" performance of the Bach Cello Suites. In the process I found that Penguin awards the Rosette to Rostropovich while Gramophone feels that Casals is best. What does this mean? Digging deeper I found that Gramophone and the Casals reviewers put much more emphasis on the inital recording techniques, remastering and sheer artistry than the CD itself. In contrast, Rostropovich was valued very highly by some but also viewed as overdone. To me Rostropovich remains. But what is second. Gendron? Ma? Fournier?
Schiff's CD was rated second by Penguin and third by Gramophone. Moreover, Schiff's performance is evenly balanced, displays great artistry and the best presentation for both the purists and newcomers to classical music. Ma has the name and fame. Fournier is known. Casals is great with top of the line
acoustical equipment.

Schiff is not as well known to the general public. But, if a few more start listening with both ears, ignoring stereotyped
popularity and seek the joy that Bach has written and
Schiff presents, there is no doubt that there will be a Schiff
Set on shelves next to Rostropovich, Casals et. al. Moreover, the Schiff set will show more wear. This performance is
thoughtful, delightful and expresses consistent artistry
throught the six suites. Highly recommended!

This is one of the best recordings of the Bach suites that I have heard (being a cellist, that's quite a few). Schiff's understanding of the balance between historic and modern performance practice is unmatched. He has made very wise choices concerning tempos, articulations, ornaments, and phrasing. This recording is a joy to listen to.

This Album is certainly one of the best (and my favorite) Bach Cell Suites. The music played by Schiff is dynamic and flowing, while maitaining the "posture" of pure Bach. Unlike another reviewer said, I don't think the first Suite Prelude is too fast, unless you already get used to Casals' & Fournier's tempo. On the other hand, Schiff's tempo is not much different from Bylsma's and Rostropovich's (well, a bit faster indeed!). The phrase from Schiff's bowing sounds like he is playing a Baroque cello, but the actual sound effect is more dynamic. Get it and listen to it, and you will consider Schiff's Bach one of the best and is no inferior to other big names.

This is very much a matter of personal taste. Schiff plays splendidly, without doubt, but personally I rather listen to the more passionate interpretation of Rostropovich, or the baroque melancholy of Bijlsma

unfortunatly, the first mouvement sound like a disco hit
(too fast)