The Bach cello suites : a companion / Steven Isserlis.
| Author/creator | Isserlis, Steven, 1958- author. |
| Format | Book |
| Publication | London, UK : Faber & Faber Ltd, 2021. |
| Description | xii, 228 pages : illustrations, music ; 20 cm |
| Subjects |
| Contents | The story. Part 1. J. S. Bach: A very brief biography -- Part 2. The genesis of the Suites -- Why? -- For Whom? -- For what? -- When? -- Which? -- How? -- Schumann and the Suites -- Casals and the Suites -- The music. Part 3. Dance suites! -- History of the Suite -- The movements -- Preludes -- The dances -- Allemandes -- Courantes -- Sarabandes -- Minuets -- Bourrees -- Gavottes -- Gigues -- Part 4. Questions and rules (the didactic section) -- Answers to fourteen frequently asked questions -- Rules for the player -- Part 5. Could there perhaps be a story? -- Part 6. Movement by movement: thirty-six (or forty-two) moments of perfection. |
| Abstract | Bach's Six Suites for solo cello are among the most cherished of all the works in the classical music literature. Shrouded in mystery--they were largely unknown for some two hundred years after their composition--they have acquired a magical aura which continues to attract and fascinate audiences the world over. To cellists they represent a musical bible, to listeners, scarcely less. Through what are on the surface simple Dance Suites, Bach takes us on a spiritual journey like no other, leading us from joy to tragedy, concluding in jubilation, even triumph. The author, whose recent recording of the Suites met with the highest critical acclaim, goes deep into that emotional journey, bringing to bear all his many years' experience of performing the Suites. By offering his own very personal observations of the music, the author's aim is to take the reader further into the world of the Suites in order to enhance the experience of hearing some of the greatest works ever composed. |
| Bibliography note | Includes bibliographical references (pages 207-212) and indexes. |
| ISBN | 0571366244 |
| ISBN | 9780571366248 |