Track Listing

1. Prelude
2. Allemande
3. Courante
4. Sarabande
5. Menuet I / Menuet II
6. Gigue
7. Praeludium
8. Allemande
9. Courante
10. Sarabande
11. Menuetto I & II
12. Gigue
13. Prelude
14. Allemande
15. Courante
16. Sarabande
17. Bourree I / Bourree II
18. Gigue

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28209 in Music
• Released on: 1999-09-03
• Number of discs: 1

Customer Reviews

Shoppers note
Shoppers should note that Anner Bylsma has recorded the Bach Suites twice. Sony #61811 and #61812 are reissues of a 1979 recording, while the 2 volume set Sony #48047 was recorded in 1992. Both are outstanding. Some critics prefer the performance on the earlier set, which has a rather dry sound. I have been waiting for it to be reissued so that I can obtain Volume 2. The later set, which I own, was recorded on a very large instrument, the "Stradivarius Servais," in a very resonant recording.

The most thoughtful interpretations I've ever heard
I first bought this CD looking to "get into classical music." I knew next to nothing about classical, but I knew that Bach was simply the best composer there ever was, or at least he was up there. So I grabbed this CD, listened to it three times, and have never let it collect dust in the six years I've owned it.

Blysma displays an absolute natural ability (and agility) in focusing the genius of Bach's Suites for Cello. His command of the instrument is astounding (the same sort of proficiency Bronfman displays with Rachmaninoff, or Edgar Meyer with himself).

He excels, particularily, in the sleight-of-hand triple-string harmonies that Bach somewhat invented in his suites. And yet nothing suffers in the bow attack, he rips into the strings, slaps his fingers against the neck. You can hear them thudding against the cello through the whole CD, certainly an audio glimpse into the confidence of Blysma's playing. I suppose in order to play these pieces successfully (not being a cello-player myself), you need the utmost confidence, besides an extra joint or two in the left hand. Blysma shies not away.

I've heard so many "genius" recordings where the Prelude to Suite no. 1 is carried off in metronome fashion. You could set a watch to Yo-Yo Ma's recording, and if that's your cup of tea, get cranking. Blysma seems to decide for a little variation, and infuses, not pauses, but the illusion of pauses, letting his fingers do the vibrato to end the note quickly, or lifting with his bow quickly. The result is a phrasing so subtle and genuine that it's impossible to get over. Just what does Blysma see in the suites that no one else does?

My favorite is Suite no. 2; especially the beginning of Allemande, where Blysma digs the bow into the strings for that three-note opener. Then the yearning begins, and suddenly Blysma grows a third arm and another cello (it literally sounds like a duet in places). The Menuet movement is to me the climax of the disc, sort of a cello reflection; as if the notes look inward to themselves and examine the space they occupy. If all this sounds like rubbish then perhaps I've listened too much.

Whatever, the recording is bulletproof and an absolute must for any cello player/student of music. With Blysma you start to see how the strands of interpretation work; and that is, a telepathy between performer and composer. Let the goosebumps begin.

Bylsma's approach is stunning
To those of you who are chary of "historically informed" interpretations, you needn't be in this case. Though presumably Bylsma's approach is scholarly and "correct", there is nothing objective about his interpretation. It is sinewy, chocolately, dramatic, as winning and hearfelt an interpretation as any of the great performances on the modern cello by Cassals, Fournier, Rostropovich et al.

Bylsma uses an actual period cello, not a reproduction, but manages to bring it alive and to coax out of it the sweetest sounds. Bylsma's tempi are faster than those familiar with modern interpretations might be prepared for, but his musicianship is so keen that the most precise phrasing remains intact and Bach's music never ends up sounding forced or rushed.

I urge you to take a risk with this set (vols I and II), especially since the above Sony "Essential Classics" price is about half its original price!