The Bach Cello Suites: A Companion

(Hardback, Main)

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Description

Bach's 6 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 200 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.

Award-winning international cellist Steven Isserlis, 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. His book is intended as a rewarding companion for all music lovers, ranging from the casual listener to the performing musician. By offering his own very personal observations of the music, Isserlis'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.

Reviews

PRAISE FOR SCHUMAN'S ADVICE TO YOUNG MUSICIANS

How much wisdom can be packed into one slim volume Isserlis has taken Schumann's aphorisms for young musicians and set them in a modern context from the point of view of one of today's outstanding performers. The result is humourous, down-to-earth and quirky. -- Financial Times Book of the Year

With deft prose - clear enough for children, profound enough for professionals - he meditates concisely on Schumann's pointers towards essential musicianship ... No musician or music lover should be without it. -- BBC Music Magazine

This book is an absolute joy from start to finish. So much so that I read it in one sitting, busily making notes in the margin and nodding my head in agreement. -- The Cross Eyed Pianist

Isserlis has done the impossible. He has given the listener something new, and indeed something outstandingly good . . . This recording [of Bach's Cello Suites] can sit proudly on the shelf alongside the great recordings of Casals and Rostropovich. In fact, I may find myself picking it up as the favorite. -- BBC Radio 3, CD Review Disc of the Week

This is the most wonderful cello-playing, surely among the most consistently beautiful to have been heard in this demanding music [Bach's Cello Suites), as well as the most musically alert and vivid . . . few will fail to be charmed by Isserlis's sweet singing tone, his perfectly voiced chords and superb control of articulation and dynamic . . . a disc many will want to return to again and again. -- Gramophone Magazine

In his writing, as in his playing, Steven makes hard work seem effortless. He's the master of the material, yet always able to make it accessible. In The Bach Cello Suites he explains often difficult technical detail with great joy and humor. For someone like me, who doesn't know their gavotte from their elbow, it is an absolute treat to be led to this sublime music by such an enthusiastic expert. -- Michael Palin

Striking...A companion book to keep close, to dog-ear and take on the train, the start of a conversation not the end of the argument. -- Spectator

Isserlis produces an illuminating, accessible and detailed analysis of one of Bach's seminal works. -- Observer

The book I've always wanted: an accessible, eloquent guide to the world's greatest -- and maybe most elusive -- pieces of music. And written by the man I'd want to tell me about it. This is such a delight. -- Derren Brown

Author Bio

Steven Isserlis enjoys a unique and multi-faceted career as soloist, chamber musician and educator. He appears regularly with the world's leading orchestras, gives recitals every season in major musical centres, devises fascinating chamber music programmes, performs with many period-instrument ensembles, plays and writes for children, and with many living composers. He has written two children's books, and gives masterclasses worldwide. For the past eighteen years he has been Artistic Director of the International Musicians' Seminar atPrussia Cove, Cornwall.