Customer Reviews

J. S. Bach: Suites for Cello, 1, 2 & 3; Pablo Casals

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The gushing reviews of Casal's performance on this album are deserved, but I think there's an aspect of the recording they leave out: when I first listened to this recording, I had never heard such a pure, simple composition, and Casal's interpretation adds grace and nuance to Bach's beautifully sparse suites. This collection is more than just good music, it's proof of the ability of genius (Casal's and Bach's) to take simplicity and grace and create something beautiful. I would recommend it to anyone with even the slightest interest in classical music.

And to anyone trying to decide, I would add as a footnote that I prefer this version the recording done by Mstislav Rostropovich. To my ears, Rostropovich's performance sounds a little too hurried and mechanical.

These suites are absolutely beautiful and Casals conveys an emotion and depth which is unique. Everyone knows how great Casals is, and that these are probably considered his best recordings, so a comment on the sound. I haven't heard the Naxos versions yet, so I can't compare, but the sound on these two volumes is very good, with minimal hiss and popping. The cello stands out and is very bright and clear, so no one should hesitate to purchase these based upon apprehensions on sound quality.

I am a humble student of Herr Bach and a much more humble student of the Cello Suites, in each case as a listener, not a musician. This recording of the Cellos Suites is very rewarding, but not particularly accessible. When I first started listening to Bach, I bought this recording and Yo-Yo Ma's Inspired by Bach. They were both too intense for me then. Beautiful, majestic, heart-rending, but I was not ready to listen to an unaccompanied cello suite.

After a few years, I read The Cello Suites: J. S. Bach, Pablo Casals, and the Search for a Baroque Masterpiece. I now know more about Pau Casals and the suites, and I get more from each listening. Casals recorded each suite in a one-day session during political turmoil and in recent exile. This recording is dark and stormy. Yo-Yo Ma's is sweeter and less fierce. I also enjoy Leopold Godowsky: Transcriptions of Bach Cello Suites Nos. 2, 3, 5, which seem like Chopin playing the suites, or something somewhat like them; the challenge is to find Casals' suites in these beautiful pieces.

Every cellist has a relationship with the Bach's Suites for unaccompanied cello. Casals is largely responsible for this. Music lives in the playing and not on the page. Casals has his distinctive treatment of the suites. Some movements he just takes a bit more time to explore than others do. Occasionally we're reminded that these are restorations from the early days of vinyl. For myself, I'm mostly just lost in the music.

This is really the best recording one could ever get of the Bach Suites! Casals' tone is fabulous! These suites are perfect for relaxing, studying, background music for parties, and tons of other things! DEFINATELY recommendable!

Casals gives the definative Bach performance. All cellists and musicians must listen to them. His phrasing and rubato are wonderful and tasteful.