Product description BWV 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1011, 1012 / Pablo Casals, violoncelle .com For many of us, Pablo Casals's legendary interpretation of Bach's six cello suites--the 1930s recordings that showcased these works as far more than mere finger exercises for cellists--are still definitive. Casals rediscovered these previously appreciated compositions and did his damnedest to illustrate their importance. Hence, his bold, romantic interpretations, which may lack subtlety but certainly not substance or grace. With Naxos's new remastering from audio producer Ward Marston, this bargain-priced recording makes a vast improvement on EMI's more expensive version of these exact same recordings (and a subtle improvement over Pearl's even pricier remastering). Here, you can finally turn up the stereo and get the full sonic depth of these recordings without fatiguing your ears from a ton of surface noise. Instead, you simply get lost in Casals's flowing, passionate playing and impeccable tone. This has always been a landmark recording and it's never sounded better than this. --Jason Verlinde
L**E
definitive performance
Great sound ! I had misplaced all my cd's of these Bach cello pieces and have begun to replace them Fearing I might not always want to listen to an 'old recording' . I bought the Starker for a good clear modern sound recording . But, surprise ..surprise . the sound is great - like a 1060's or 1970's sound on this cd. I do plan to buy again the Fournier - my other favorite recording of these cello suites. But, these by Casals are the definitive . If looking to buy just one , this is the one . Masterful . The others play well , extremely well ' sans doute' . but Casals' understanding of these pieces transcends the listening experience and understanding of what I imagine Bach, himself, might have meant to convey. You will 'sit up' and take notice when you listen to Casals .
A**R
One of the best
I have many recordings of these suites by various cellists. Yes, this is an old recording so there is a little hiss and perhaps not the sound we are used to in the modern era. That does not change the fact that Casals playing is gorgeous. His sound is so natural and effortless. I have fluctuated between Rostropovich and Starker being my favorites but coming back to listen to this it is just as good or better. Rostropovich's last recording is very good and spoke to me at one time but now find it almost too emotive for my taste. Naxos did a good job cleaning up some of this without taking away the sound of his playing. The extra tracks on disc 2 are all a joy to hear and worth it just for those. Not only is this a great recording but with out his love of this music there is a fair chance we may not have all the other cellists versions to enjoy and argue over. Thank you Mr. Casals!
G**T
Great Recording of a Old Master
The recording is surprisingly clear for being recorded in the beginning of the last millennium. And this artist brings a fresh interpretation to Bach's cello works.
D**N
This is a definitive performance.
This is the greatest performance of the Bach Suites.? Casals found a torn copy of the suites. Casals the practised then on a box that his father made him for 4 years. He then played it on a real cello in public. This led other cellists to record the suites. Casals was more than a cellist, he was a musician. Too bad Dupre did record all the suites. What she did record are magnificent.
T**N
Casals' Bluelight Bach Special
There are several different CD editions of these same classic recordings by Casals, but none are priced lower than this new set from Naxos. Not only do these two discs include all six suites for solo cello by Bach, but the second disc includes an extra half hour of assorted Bach cello transcriptions.The original recordings, made in the mid 1930's, have alot of hiss. Its like hearing a cello in the rain, but this is the same no matter what CD you buy. Its just the limits of the source material. You might as well go as cheap as you can.The background hiss can be annoying on your living room stereo, but when played in the car, or on a walkman, or on a desktop computer, it is not nearly as noticeable.Casals has been called a romantic in his approach to Bach. This is certainly a darker approach to the Bach Suites than, say, Yo Yo Ma.
A**G
Brilliant!
Could it get any better? Unlike with the violin suites/sonatas where there are numerous great recordings, and exist there no definitive one I believe this is truly the definitive recording of Bach's 'cello suites. And yes of course the sound quality is excellent. For some reason, I think the recording techniques of that era were better than any other at recording solo instruments and bass.
P**S
good company
fine and fast
Z**E
Five Stars
the 6 suites played by Casals never lose their luster
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