Composer: Johann Sebastian Bach
Performer: Steven Isserlis
Number of Discs: 2
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Hyperion
Catalogue: CDA67541-2
Release: 2007
Size: 516 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
CD 01
Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV1007
01. I. Prelude
02. II. Allemande
03. III. Courante
04. IV. Sarabande
05. V. Menuet I – Menuet II
06. VI. Gigue
Cello Suite No. 2 in D minor, BWV1008
07. I. Prelude
08. II. Allemande
09. III. Courante
10. IV. Sarabande
11. V. Menuet I – Menuet II
12. VI. Gigue
Cello Suite No. 3 in C major, BWV1009
13. I. Prelude
14. II. Allemande
15. III. Courante
16. IV. Sarabande
17. V. Bourrée I – Bourrée II
18. VI. Gigue
Cello Suite No. 4 in E flat major, BWV1010
19. I. Prelude
20. II. Allemande
21. III. Courante
22. IV. Sarabande
23. V. Bourrée I – Bourrée II
24. VI. Gigue
CD 02
Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV1011
01. I. Prelude
02. II. Allemande
03. III. Courante
04. IV. Sarabande
05. V. Gavotte I – Gavotte II
06. VI. Gigue
Cello Suite No. 6 in D major, BWV1012
07. I. Prelude
08. II. Allemande
09. III. Courante
10. IV. Sarabande
11. V. Gavotte I – Gavotte II
12. VI. Gigue
13. anon.: The Song of the Birds
Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV1007
14. I. Prelude, from the Anna Magdalena manuscript
15. I. Prelude, from the Johann Peter Kellner manuscript
16. I. Prelude, from the collection of Johann Christoph Westphal
Hyperions record of the month for May is a major milestone for a performer at the zenith of his careerdescribed recently in The Independent as the stuff of legend. Steven Isserliss award-winning discography spans his diverse interests in repertoire and his musicological enthusiasm, as well as demonstrating his supreme artistry and uniquely beautiful sound, and his first recording of the complete Bach cello suites is an indelibly important addition to the set. Steven writes that the Bach suites are works of such total perfection, such sublimity, that it is well-nigh impossible to feel ready for them. He has proved more than adequate to the task and this release is a triumphant conclusion to an artistic pilgrimage. Stevens eloquent booklet notes reveal his personal thoughts about the suites, as well as extensive academic research. His is an interpretation that has come from his passionate involvement in the music rather than from following the various theories that abound in Bach scholarship, and he discusses it fully in an article which is a perfect complement to this wonderful release.
Also includes “The Song of the Birds” arranged by Sally Beamish and different versions of the Prelude to the first suite from the manuscripts of Anna Magdalena, Johann Peter Kellner and the collection of Johann Christoph Westphal.