Bach: The Cello Suites Inspired By Bach, From The Six-Part Film Series / Yo-Yo Ma

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Though they were long misunderstood as mere technical hurdles, Bach's six suites for unaccompanied cello are among those rare works of music that offer inexhaustible rewards for performer and listener alike. Yo-Yo Ma gave a pathbreaking account of the suites back in the '80s (Suites for Unaccompanied Cello ) but returns to them here impelled by a unique and interdisciplinary approach. For this project, Ma engaged the talents of artists in different fields--ranging from a landscape artist to a Kabuki actor and figure skaters--to produce six short films as a visual correlative for the highly distinctive character of each suite. While the success of the films in illuminating Bach's creativity is decidedly uneven, Ma brings the music itself to life with a searing, quasi-vocal eloquence. His interpretations are probing, characterized by imaginative bowing and attention to the spacious architecture of Bach's score. This is especially clear in Ma's preference for broad, expansive tempos and patient spinning of filigreed detail. True, the generally Romantic cast of his conception can seem overdone and exaggerated in statement, as if Ma is more intent on overlaying his own personality on the discipline of the music. But the prayerful, meditative concentration he brings to the Sarabandes--listen to the single-lined, anguished tone painting in Suite 5--is utterly convincing. There is a sense of profound introspection here, while in the Sarabande of Suite 6 Ma's phrasing suggests we are in the same spiritual terrain as Beethoven's late quartets. Yet there is no lack of blistering energy and extroverted high spirits in some of the more overtly dance-oriented movements. While purists may complain of distortion in these accounts, Ma once again proves he has something vital to say with this music. --Thomas May

Tracks:

Suite No. 1 In G Major: Prelude - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Allemande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Courante - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Sarabande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Menuett 1 - 2 - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 1 In G Major: Gigue - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Prelude - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Allemande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Courante - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Sarabande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Menuett I 1 - 2 - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 2 in D minor: Gigue - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Prelude - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Allemande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Courante - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Sarabande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Bourree 1 - 2 - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 3 In C Major: Gigue - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 4 In E-Flat Major: Prelude - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 4 In E-Flat Major: Allemande - J. S. Bach
Suite No. 4 In E-Flat Major: Courante - J. S. Bach

Tracks:

Suite 4 in E flat Major: Sarabande - J.S.Bach
Suite 4 in E flat Major: Bouree 1- 2 - J.S.Bach
Suite 4 in E flat Major: Gigue - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Prelude - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Allemande - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Courante - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Sarabande - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Gavotte 1 - 2 - J.S.Bach
Suite 5 in C Minor: Gigue - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Prelude - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Allemande - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Courante - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Sarabande - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Gavotte 1 - 2 - J.S.Bach
Suite 6 in D Major: Gigue - J.S.Bach

Amazon.com essential recording

Though they were long misunderstood as mere technical hurdles, Bach's six suites for unaccompanied cello are among those rare works of music that offer inexhaustible rewards for performer and listener alike. Yo-Yo Ma gave a pathbreaking account of the suites back in the '80s (Suites for Unaccompanied Cello ) but returns to them here impelled by a unique and interdisciplinary approach. For this project, Ma engaged the talents of artists in different fields--ranging from a landscape artist to a Kabuki actor and figure skaters--to produce six short films as a visual correlative for the highly distinctive character of each suite. While the success of the films in illuminating Bach's creativity is decidedly uneven, Ma brings the music itself to life with a searing, quasi-vocal eloquence. His interpretations are probing, characterized by imaginative bowing and attention to the spacious architecture of Bach's score. This is especially clear in Ma's preference for broad, expansive tempos and patient spinning of filigreed detail. True, the generally Romantic cast of his conception can seem overdone and exaggerated in statement, as if Ma is more intent on overlaying his own personality on the discipline of the music. But the prayerful, meditative concentration he brings to the Sarabandes--listen to the single-lined, anguished tone painting in Suite 5--is utterly convincing. There is a sense of profound introspection here, while in the Sarabande of Suite 6 Ma's phrasing suggests we are in the same spiritual terrain as Beethoven's late quartets. Yet there is no lack of blistering energy and extroverted high spirits in some of the more overtly dance-oriented movements. While purists may complain of distortion in these accounts, Ma once again proves he has something vital to say with this music. --Thomas May

Customer Reviews:

No, Yo Yo ...........2007-03-11

A sub-standard, glossy, and sometimes sentimental interpretation of the Suites. Skip this one and go for the Rostropovich - always intelligent and inspired - never sentimental.

Inspired by Ma!.......2006-01-20

The music on this second recording of Yo-Yo Ma's is fantastic. Admittedly, the packaging is a little confusing (the title itself is a little misleading-- as if it were not comprised of Bach compositions). But the only real complaint is that the fourth suite is split in half on the two CDs. This would be easily solved by by putting 1, 3 & 5 on one CD & 2, 4 & 6 on the other.

But the important thing is the MUSIC & I'll nevertheless give this CD set 5 stars-- this is essential listening!

I think of Bach's cello suites like the Dao De Jing-- it is open to so many endless possibilities in translation. But what I find so appealing in this recording is Ma's fine sense of balance between a 'classical' & 'romantic' approach to the cello suites. Ma is certainly not metronomically rigid with his reading, but neither is it too free. I think he strikes just the right balance in these recordings.

The famous Prelude of the first suite is at a surprisingly fast tempo (so I thought) but it flows-- it is not hurried-- one almost gets the impression of movement but stillness at the same time.

Though for a solo instrument, Bach's cello suites often sound like two, sometimes even three instruments playing at once! And what is amazing is Ma takes on the different 'voices' like an actor playing out all the parts-- the different implied musical lines of this virtual polyphony are brought out by Ma's playing by differences in bowing, volume & character.

The recording itself is so amazingly warm-- you can really feel the wood in the recording. Yo-Yo Ma's cello dances, leaps, sings & soars here.

The sixth suite is my personal favourite, especially the gavotte. It was listening to the sample here on Amazon that convinced me that I needed to own this recording. It is one of the most beautiful things Bach ever wrote I think.

I have three other recordings of the cello suites, but I confess that this is by far the most human & the most warm. Bach's cello suites are perhaps some of the greatest music EVER written & Ma simply channel's the music so exquisitely here.

You have not lived if you haven't listened to Bach's suites for cello! Do yourself a favour & get this recording-- you won't be sorry! I will cherish this recording always...

A must-have recording!.......2005-08-25

OK... I'm very late to weigh in on this CD as I see there are already so many reviews about it but I've been enjoying this CD so much that I just had to share my thoughts with you.
The fluidity of Yo-Yo Ma's playing is incredible. What I've come to appreciate more and more is his willingness - eagerness to have fun and take risks. From his recordings with Bobby McFerrin to his Obrigado Brazil recordings to simply Baroque all these recordings show a man who is so totally comfortable in any style or setting in which he might choose to play.
My congratulations to the recording staff "behind the scenes" as they most certainly had to have been inspired, judging by the quality recording they have produced. Too many times, really great performances can fail to convey the sense of presence that this recording has captured. They have given us a gift no matter what price you've paid for this CD; he's in your room, complete with the sense of ambiance and room boundaries that he was recorded in.
Don't bother with all the surround sound settings! Throw that all away and simply listen in two-channel stereo.
When people have written about what nice background music this makes I can only grin inside. Yes, it's charming. Yes, it's easy to live around but it also can compel you to sit and listen. How often does that happen?
This is a lovely recording of a masterful performance by one heck of a talented musician.

Bravo Yo Yo !.......2005-06-28

Comparé à sa version de 1983, Yo Yo Ma semble ici plus intériorisé(version 1994). Son approche est plus réfléchie
avec des aspects plus méditatifs, quoiqu'un peu «pathos» à certains moments.
Bonne version si vous cherchez autre chose que l'accent baroque.
Merci d'avoir lu mon humble avis. R.R

Very good.......2005-03-24

This set could possibly be the best you can get for the complete Bach Cello Suites. The people who write bad reviews for Yo-Yo Ma's recordings probably think, as I myself used to, that he is overrated and not very professional. However, I have come to realize that Yo-Yo Ma is a very professional musician, and really is one of the best cellists alive. I have seen him play concerts on TV, and every gesture and sound he makes seems deeply inspired and it truly seems like he understands the music. This recording is no exception. Each cello suite is marvelously performed (and from what I hear, even better than the older recording he made), and the sound quality is extraordinary. Highly recommended.

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