Bach, Johann Sebastian / Cello Suites According To Anna Magdalena [Bach], (Matt Haimovitz, Cello), The

A-File Activity
Add Date: 2016-04-03 Pull Date: 2016-06-05 Charts: Classical/Experimental
Week Ending: May 15 Apr 17 Apr 10
Airplays: 1 1 1

Recent Airplay
1. Jun 11, 2016: Music Casserole
Suite V In C Minor, Bwv 1011. Prélude (5:25).
3. Apr 11, 2016: Mixed Up Class
Suite V in C minor, BWV 1011
2. May 09, 2016: Mixed Up Class
Allemande & Courante
4. Apr 09, 2016: Narnia
Gigue (1:51), Menuet I & Ii (3:45), Sarabande (2:35), Courante (2:45), Allemande (4:06), Cd 1. Suite I In G Major, Bwv 1007. Prélude (2:17).

Album Review
Larry Koran
Reviewed 2016-03-30
Bach (1685-1750) probably composed these Suites in 1717-1723, but exactly when and why remains a mystery. Each Suite begins with a Prelude followed by stylized dances. The dances’ mood and form differ from one suite to another, taking their cue from the Prelude (see each below). Acclaimed cellist Matt Haimovitz describes these Suites as “philosophical ruminations on human nature, food for the soul . . . wondrous, challenging and transcendent works." He explains Anna Magdalena’s (Bach’s 2nd wife’s) markings are guides to Bach’s intensions. He notes Suites in G, D and C celebrate the cello’s natural overtones. Suite V calls for scordatura tuning (here, the A string tuned to G), which darkens the cello’s sound, enhancing the music’s foreboding affect. In Suite VI, Bach also extends the cello’s virtuosic parameters, imagining a cello with 5 strings rather than the standard 4. The cellist reaches into the higher registers with ease, explores a rich palette of chords and ethereal and haunting sounds. Haimovitz’ 1710 cello, with gut strings, allows him to heighten the illusion of counterpoint. His replica Baroque Period bow also colors the sound.

Track Listing
1. Cd 1. Suite I In G Major, Bwv 1007. Prélude (2:17).   19. Cd2. Suite Iv In E-Flat Major, Bwv 1010. Prélude (3:31).
2. Allemande (4:06)   20. Allemande (4:27)
3. Courante (2:45)   21. Courante (3:40)
4. Sarabande (2:35)   22. Sarabande (3:39)
5. Menuet I & Ii (3:45)   23. Bourée I & Ii (5:02)
6. Gigue (1:51)   24. Gigue (2:47)
7. Suite Ii In D Minor, Bvm 1008. Prélude (4:06)   25. Suite V In C Minor, Bwv 1011. Prélude (5:25).
8. Allemande (3:22)   26. Allemande (4:32)
9. Courante (2:05)   27. Courante (2:18)
10. Sarabande (4:27)   28. Sarabande (4:00)
11. Menuet I & Ii (3:16)   29. Gavotte I & Ii (4:45)
12. Gigue (2:26)   30. Gigue (5:09)
13. Suite Iii In C Major, Bsv 1009. Prélude (5:25)   31. Suite Vi In D Major Bwv 1012 Prélude (4:21).
14. Allemande (4:06)   32. Allemande (7:04)
15. Courante (2:43)   33. Courante (5:35)
16. Sarabande (5:54   34. Sarabande (4:40)
17. Bourrée I & Ii (4:04)   35. Gavotte I & Ii (4:16)
18. Gigue (3:16)   36. Gigue (4:03)