Search - Johann Sebastian Bach, Göran Söllscher :: J.S. Bach: Works for Lute, Vol. 2

Best Bach Lute works

Paul Magnussen | Campbell, CA USA | 01/18/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The two volumes of the Bach's complete lute works by Mr Söllscher have now apparently been deleted and replaced by a single volume of the Lute Suites alone. However, in my opinion it is well worth seeking out the originals, even if second-hand.



Volume 1 includes the 1st & 2nd Suites and the Fugue (BWV 1000), Volume 2 the 3rd & 4th Suites, the Prelude, Fugue & Allegro (BWV 998), and the little Prelude (BWV 999).



Göran Söllscher, although not exactly a household word outside Sweden, is certainly one of the world's best guitarists; and this is particularly evident in his interpretations of Bach.



There are several excellent recordings of these works, both on the guitar and on the original instrument. But what distinguishes Söllscher's is that they are performed on a superb 11-string Bolin guitar, which offers the range of the Baroque lute while retaining the guitar's clarity. Söllscher is thus one of the few guitarists who can retain the original bass lines.



The recording quality is excellent. The playing, warm and characterful without being romanticised, is wonderful.



I have many recordings of the works for lute, but these are the ones I always come back to.



The total time is 57'58"."