Best Version of Bach Cello Suites?

[Musicophile]

On 10/6/2022 at 2:58 AM, Jud said:

The David Watkin is my favorite, and here’s why: 

 

I always go for feeling over pure technical prowess. Watkin had plenty of technical prowess until he began to suffer the effects of an autoimmune disorder. The Bach was IIRC his last commercial recording. I imagine when I listen to it that I can hear him working against his disease to give this last one his all. Whether that’s actually so or not, it is just beautiful playing, full of emotion.

+1 for Watkin. It’s usually my first go to version. That said I fully agree that one set isn’t enough. 

[sphinxsix]

6 hours ago, Dandou said:

 

Bach, himself, transcribed the fifth suite for lute. 

 

 

Why did no-one tell him he was not allowed to do that.?! 😎

 

Anyway, I think @The Computer Audiophile is a great classical music thread starter, I don't know if you'll agree with me guys..

 

[AnotherSpin]

The whole discussion here has boiled down to the almost unimportant question of which instrument the Cello Suites should be played on. A modern cello, or the cello's extinct predecessors, or any other stringed or even unstringed instrument. Furthermore, given the fact that Bach's Cello Suites are most often performed on the cello, this is the reference form that they reach and are appreciated by the listener. It doesn't need to be judged as right, and it doesn't need to be judged as wrong, it is what it is. The other thing, much more interesting, is how different performers approach this set within the same paradigm. For example, comparing Heinrich Schiff and Yo-Yo Ma of the same period. An energetic joyful reading versus a sluggish, almost meaningless reading.

 

Chris, because of your question I've re-listened to many versions of the Cello Suites over the last day. Two recordings in particular caught my attention: Heinrich Schiff's joyful and confident reading. And gentle, heartbreaking performance by Anner Bylsma:

 

 

 

Both are on Qobuz.

[sphinxsix]

BTW I still think Beethoven's 9th with rappers (4th part!) could be done in an interesting way, I'm pretty sure Beethoven himself would have thought about this if he had lived a little longer.. 

Yo!

😉

[Kalpesh]

Bruno Cocset (Alpha, 2001)

 

[jrobbins50]

I know it’s blasphemy around these parts to speak of VINYL, but the Starker recordings on Mercury redone by Analogue Productions on 12 inch 45 rpm vinyl are very impressive. JCR