Bach: The Cello Suites

János Starker (2021 Remastered, London 1957-1959)

2 disc(s) - 36 track(s)
Total length: 01:54:47

Bach's violin cycle is answered by the Six Suites for Solo Cello: the exact date of composition is unknown, but it is assumed that they were composed for two cellists of the Köthen orchestra, between 1718 and 1723. Once again, Bach does not completely innovate, as several Italian composers had already composed for the solo instrument at that time, but he does take an important step forward for this instrument, which was still new at the time and on the way to supplanting the viola da gamba, and which was very much present in Bach's own works, especially in its role as continuo (sonatas, recitatives and cantata arias, etc.). 

Although introduced by a Prelude, the Suites stick to the traditional scheme of the suite of dances, in the manner of the English Suites, varying like them the structure and form of this initial prelude. Virtuosic, lyrical and expressive in the slow movements (Sarabandes), these Suites by Bach (who did not compose any concertante works for cello: it was not until Haydn and Boccherini that he did so) undeniably constitute the basis of the modern repertoire for the instrument.

From 1957 until 1959, Starker recorded his first complete Bach Suites for His Master's Voice, a set that he recorded five times during his career. During these four years, Lege recorded most of his repertoire with the Hungarian cellist, a legacy of near perfection. This first recording of the Suites is unanimously regarded as one of the best recordings of this booklet.

Enjoy your listening

CD 1
1. Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. Prélude (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
2. Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: II. Allemande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
3. Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: III. Courante (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
4. Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: IV. Sarabande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
5. Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: V. Menuets I & II (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
6. Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: VI. Gigue (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
7. Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: I. Prélude (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
8. Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: II. Allemande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
9. Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: III. Courante (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
10. Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: IV. Sarabande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
11. Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: V. Menuets I & II (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
12. Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV 1008: VI. Gigue (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
13. Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: I. Prélude (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
14. Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: II. Allemande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
15. Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: III. Courante (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
16. Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: IV. Sarabande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
17. Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: V. Bourrées I & II (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
18. Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: VI. Gigue (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)

CD 2
1. Cello Suite No. 4 in E flat Major, BWV 1010: I. Prélude (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
2. Cello Suite No. 4 in E flat Major, BWV 1010: II. Allemande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
3. Cello Suite No. 4 in E flat Major, BWV 1010: III. Courante (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
4. Cello Suite No. 4 in E flat Major, BWV 1010: IV. Sarabande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
5. Cello Suite No. 4 in E flat Major, BWV 1010: V. Bourrées I & II (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
6. Cello Suite No. 4 in E flat Major, BWV 1010: VI. Gigue (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
7. Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: I. Prélude (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
8. Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: II. Allemande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
9. Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: III. Courante (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
10. Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: IV. Sarabande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
11. Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: V. Gavottes I & II (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
12. Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011: VI. Gigue (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
13. Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: I. Prélude (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
14. Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: II. Allemande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
15. Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: III. Courante (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
16. Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: IV. Sarabande (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
17. Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: V. Gavottes I & II (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)
18. Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: VI. Gigue (Remastered 2021, Version 1957-59)