BACH CELLO SUITES

BACH CELLO SUITES

Johann Sebastian Bach's Solo Cello Suites are a priceless treasure, bridging the earthly and the divine and leading to a transcendental and emotionally powerful experience. Composed around 1723, approximately 300 years ago, they stand as a true milestone in the history of music and in the cello's repertoire. The experience of recording this masterpiece was transformative, allowing me to embark on an emotional and spiritual journey. Every note, every phrase presented an opportunity to express the essence of music and overcome significant technical challenges. As an inexhaustible source of inspiration and a testament to Bach's genius, these suites offer each performer a unique and personal perspective. In my case, I aimed to create the most comprehensive and inclusive interpretation, taking into account various factors, such as a meticulous analysis of the score based on existing copies in the absence of the original manuscript. It was a continuous process of discovery, unveiling new colors, emotions, sounds, and articulations in each dance. Each suite became a reflection of my own life path and the diverse musical influences that have shaped me. Recording on the Montagnana cello (Venice, circa 1720), formerly owned by Guilhermina Suggia, was an honor that I embraced with immense enthusiasm and dedication. Despite not recording the sixth suite with a five-string cello, I sought to recreate the sound of the time using gut strings and a bow crafted by Luís Emílio Rodríguez, a replica of an eighteenth-century bow. Witnessing the harmonious union of these two ingeniously crafted works of art from the early 18th century was truly remarkable. I dedicate this album to my father, who passed away in February 2022. Filipe Quaresma

BACH CELLO SUITES

Filipe Quaresma · 1694102400000

Johann Sebastian Bach's Solo Cello Suites are a priceless treasure, bridging the earthly and the divine and leading to a transcendental and emotionally powerful experience. Composed around 1723, approximately 300 years ago, they stand as a true milestone in the history of music and in the cello's repertoire. The experience of recording this masterpiece was transformative, allowing me to embark on an emotional and spiritual journey. Every note, every phrase presented an opportunity to express the essence of music and overcome significant technical challenges. As an inexhaustible source of inspiration and a testament to Bach's genius, these suites offer each performer a unique and personal perspective. In my case, I aimed to create the most comprehensive and inclusive interpretation, taking into account various factors, such as a meticulous analysis of the score based on existing copies in the absence of the original manuscript. It was a continuous process of discovery, unveiling new colors, emotions, sounds, and articulations in each dance. Each suite became a reflection of my own life path and the diverse musical influences that have shaped me. Recording on the Montagnana cello (Venice, circa 1720), formerly owned by Guilhermina Suggia, was an honor that I embraced with immense enthusiasm and dedication. Despite not recording the sixth suite with a five-string cello, I sought to recreate the sound of the time using gut strings and a bow crafted by Luís Emílio Rodríguez, a replica of an eighteenth-century bow. Witnessing the harmonious union of these two ingeniously crafted works of art from the early 18th century was truly remarkable. I dedicate this album to my father, who passed away in February 2022. Filipe Quaresma