Perhaps you've played this game at a party or something: if you were trapped on a desert island with only one book/record/painting/etc. -- what would it be? When it comes to music, this record is my "desert island" choice. I've had my copy of the old original "red album" since it first came out, and after hundreds of listens, this sublime music keeps renewing itself. Ma's performances are heartfelt, technically flawless, and riveting throughout. I don't think it's a stretch to call this disk one of the high... more info
Simply Perfect:
Ma plays the Suites with passion and grace. The cello is recorded wonderfully. Often in solo performances, hearing the artist breathe can be annoying, but that is minimal in this recording. I would also highly recommend Bach: Lute Suites performed by John Williams. Lute Suites 1 - Essential Classics
Bach himself would be pleased:
The way Ma plays the cello suites is like listening to perfection in musical form. Unlike many cellists, Ma does not rush through the pieces but rather allows the tempo and sound to rise and fall as Bach intended. A must-buy for both classical aficionados and those just beginning to love classical music.
Necessary:
Not exactly sure what I would do without these recordings. A world without Bach: a scary thought. My pulse slackens a bit each time I put these on. Relaxing, sure, but also tremendously moving. A perfect antidote for the trivial drone, distraction, and bustle of our post-capitalist world. No need to go buy new-age computer glitch world-music ambience; this is sonic therapy, written centuries before we needed it.
Tracks:
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007; Prélude
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007; Allemande
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007; Courante
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007; Sarabande
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007; Menuett
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007; Gigue
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010; Prélude
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010; Allemande
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010; Courante
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010; Sarabande
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010; Bourrée
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 4 in E-flat Major, BWV 1010; Gigue
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011; Prélude
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011; Allemande
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011; Courante
Unaccompanied Cello Suite No. 5 in C minor, BWV 1011; Sarabande
