Customer Reviews

Six Cello Suites performed on viola

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It seems that suddenly a lot of violists are mustering the nerve to record the Bach 'Cello Suites, and with good reason: the pieces work well on the viola-- so well that noted baroque 'cellist Anner Bylsma has even theorized that the Suites might have been originally written for the viola. At any rate, given how liberal Bach was about transcribing, it seems he wouldn't have had a problem with modern-day violists' adoption of this splendid repertoire.

Ms. McCarty's playing is excellent on all levels-- technically solid, very expressive, and respectful of the music. She avoids the excessive liberties and cheap sentimentality often heard in performances of these pieces. The playing is clean and disciplined-- and yet it isn't hard or unsympathetic. With a nice, full, round viola sound, she creates a satisfying listening experience.

Interesting is her daring choice to play the 6th Suite in the original key of D-major-- a decision that makes some of the slower polyphonic movements very awkward on the viola. She comes through with flying colors, however-- the Sarabande is as flowing and tender as any version I've heard.

This is an excellent interpretation of the Suites all around. I highly recommend it, especially to other violists.

As a viola professor who has taught and performed Bach Suites for nearly thirty years, I was delighted when I learned that Patricia McCarty had recorded all six. Already familiar with her superb recordings of Rebecca Clarke's Sonata and other works, I was eager to hear her interpretation of Bach. It is simply magnificent. The playing is exemplary -- not only beautiful in sound, but also musically intelligent and sensitive. Having heard so many performers play Bach as though it were nineteenth-century music, I found it refreshing that Ms. McCarty has given much thought to, and obviously has much respect for, playing Bach in a manner which is stylistically appropriate. At the same time, this is performing which speaks from the heart, not just from the intellect.

I am very happy to have this CD in my personal collection. I have recommended it for purchase by our university's music library, I am recommending it to my students, and I recommend it highly to anyone who loves hearing Bach played beautifully with exquisitely good taste.

Michael Kimber, Associate Professor (Viola), School of Music, The University of Southern Mississippi

Patricia's performance of these suites is absolutely wonderful. Her playing is clean and technically of the highest level. I'm highly impressed with the amount of analyzation which has obviously gone into the preparation of each of the suites. This preparation has resulted in performances which admirably bring to life Bach's command of single line contrapuntal composition techniques.

Of special interest to me is McCarty's use of ornamentation. Never overstated, her ornamentation enhances Bach's flowing musical lines in all instances.

This performance of Bach's Cello Suites on Viola is respectable. However, I don't feel that the performer really takes us far enough in terms of expression. These pieces are often performed in a dry manner and no one could accuse Ms. Mcarty of that. However, there is so much musical possibility here that I have yet to hear exploited to any great degree.
It is certainly an enjoyable recording but all these five star ratings are a bit much. That being said, it may just be a matter personal preference. This is a good CD for viola students who want to hear nearly flawless technical performance.

Wonderful, inspiring, beautiful. Music like this is why I took up the Viola. The marrying of Bach, with the skill of Patricia and the acoustics of the location make this an enthralling experience. I can not recommend this highly enough.

Patricia McCarty has taken material originally written for cello and transposed it for viola. Her interpretations are not crisp and clear but emotive and expressive. Her use of the four strings can turn the lower two into a separate instrument. She uses the full range of the instrument, utilizing the top strings for embellishment or to extend the range.

It's hard to believe this is a solo instrument. Patricia McCarty brings to it a full appriciation of Bach as Bach would have had it. She is exquisite at the nuances of the score. In comparison with the performance of the great cellist Pablo Casals, McCarty's performance is smooth, sensual and evocative - a wonderful contrast. It is fortunate that Bach's writing is pleasingly adaptable to the higher register instrument.

This is an eloquent version of the Cello Suites, superbly played and recorded; a fine alternative to the old mono LP set done by Lillian Fuchs, which has been reissued on CD. Fuchs played the Bach Suites with fire and drama, while Patricia McCarty brings more in refinement and grace to these works. Needless to say, this new recording is far superior in sound quality to the older set. McCarty's performance is historical aware. Vibrato is only lightly applied, ornamentation is found in many the repeats. Patricia McCarty has changed the way I hear these works. The over interpreted, romantic cello versions I have known in the past, have little appeal to me anymore. I do not know of a better set of the Cello Suites then this one.

This is a great collection of CDs. Patricia McCarty plays beautifully and with feeling. I have been listening to these suites since the 60's and as a viola player this is my favorite rendition. McCarty makes a big viola sound and she is very careful with her phrasing. I'm only sorry I didn't discover this wonderful collection sooner.If you like Bach, you'll like these.
J Myers

This recording is an essential for every Bach lover's collection. This is a phenomenal performance that only gets better the more you listen to it. Also, as a violist myself, I notice that as I study each suite, I gain even more respect for the depth and perception which Ms. McCarty displays in her playing. Each suite has a delightful and distinct character of its own. This is a grerat recording of the suites, whether on cello or viola.

This album is unique in that it combines the best of Bach's cello suites with the hauntingly beautiful tone of a viola played by a master, Patricia McCarty. This is "mood" music at its best. The only small problem with it is that it all sounds much the same. But that's the way its written. So if you know Bach's music and what you are ordering then you don't get much better than this.