J. S. Bach: The 6 Cello Suites

Pablo Casals (Artist), J.S. Bach (Composer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Composer: J.S. Bach
• Audio CD (September 16, 1997)
• SPARS Code: ADD
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: EMI Classics
• ASIN: B000002S8E
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,589 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 71 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Don't buy this, August 30, 2000

A Kid's Review

This review is from: J. S. Bach: The 6 Cello Suites (Audio CD)

This is one of the great recordings of all time, but the sound is so poor... And EMI is to blame. They filtered the original tapes to get rid of the 1930s-noise, and en passant they ruined the cello sound. The same recordings are available on Pearl, unfiltered, and then you can hear from the warmth and wealth of colors in his playing that Casals really was the greatest of cello players.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding (of course), but sound quality a big minus, February 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: J. S. Bach: The 6 Cello Suites (Audio CD)

In the words of Rostropovich himself, Casals is unequalled when it comes to virtuosity. This is felt throughout this recording.

I am still having a hard time with the sound quality of this CD though. Not much to expect from a recording done in 1936-1939 I guess. But it still bugs me when listening, and quite frankly this only makes me prefer other versions.

What I really recommend: get this edition, "the" original one. But also get on EMI Classics Mstislav Rostropovich's version. Rostropovich's play is very close to Casals'; but the 1991 recording will give you outstanding sound quality on top.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You can not miss it if you are a cello lover., February 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: J. S. Bach: The 6 Cello Suites (Audio CD)

If you are just want to buy some CD for casual listening, or you do care the sound, choose DG's Fournier set (mid-price) or EMI's set. However, Casals' performance is a historical milestone and reflects his serious and in-depth interpretation for Bach's works. For lover of cello or Bach, it is worth keeping.