J.S. Bach, Anne Gastinel Bach: Cello Suites Genre:Classical The Bach Cello Suites are considered to be, for all cellists, the highest expression of their art, the absolute to be aimed for. For Anne Gastinel the time was ripe. Her cello sings with warmth and expression.
The Bach Cello Suites are considered to be, for all cellists, the highest expression of their art, the absolute to be aimed for. For Anne Gastinel the time was ripe. Her cello sings with warmth and expression.
CD Reviews
Bach Cello Suites
Wesley A. Brown | Redondo Beach, CA | 07/28/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's a pair of wonderful CDs of these great pieces. She effortlessly creates music of the highest level in these performances. One almost thinks of Bach as a contempory composer at times, listening to this. I've only listened to it a few times and have not compared her articulation to the scores I have. There are many opinions on how these should be played, but her playing is so fine and enjoyable that one doesn't need to analyze it. The autograph, by the way, is available free on the internet, as written by Bach's wife. This is a real bargain."
Highly convincing performance
YIP Alex | 06/27/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I believe Bach cello suites can be interpreted in different ways. This new version is highly convincing, technically secure and the cello's superb tone is beautifully caught. I certainly am impressed."
Excellent
P. Lopez | Monterrey, Mexico | 12/19/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own 4 recordings of these pieces with: Pablo Cassals, Yo-Yo Ma, Mstislav Rostropovich and Anne Gastinel. I utterly hate Rostropovich's interpretation, it feels souless and depressing, Ma's version makes me feel indifferent, Cassals is wonderful heatfelt and melancolic; but in the end Gastinels take is the one I'm gonna be listening from now on. Bach's music for solo instruments can be very daunting to experience. In it, one can feel like a speck in the eye of all creation, a very lonely lonely speck. I feel Gastinel somehow humanizes these pieces. In her hands, these cello suites are the music of the cosmos BUT also the music of a carpenter making a beautiful table."
Fresh and Sensual
Sait Beyazyurek | Istanbul Turkey | 07/13/2010
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Throught the years, I have collected some of the most notable performances of Bach's cello suites (Casals, Rostropovich, Fournier, Starker, Yo-Yo Ma, Maisky, du Pré...) and had started to think that there is not much left untold about these sacred pieces of music. Then, I discovered Anne Gastinel's rendition and suddenly fell in love with it! She litteraly "brings to life" the music as she plays. You hear her breathe, swing and become one with the instrument. She adds a feminine sensuality that brings out the inner beauty of the suites without any compromise on the technical level. The sound of her instrument is full and crisp, which gives you a wonderful listening experience.
Highly recommended to newcomers, as well as to those who want to add some fresh air to their Bach discography!"
