To this interesting debate, I would add 2 further performances of merit:
Winona Zelenka
Ophelie Gaillard first recording 2001
For best sounding cello together with great performance Anner Bylsma’s 1992 recording.
My friend and I have constructed a web site which so far has reviews of 31 different recordings. Please take a look. We are aiming to identify the characteristics of each recording and how they impact on our feelings as opposed to defining if good or bad. Hopefully anyone reading the reviews will be able to short list according to their preference. Remember there are well over 200 versions of complete recordings now available and more are released almost every other month. There is one out there for everyone!
I have to say I agree with your thoughts on this Disc. It fetches high prices on the used market but I certainly found the CD layer had disappointing sound. Not having SACD playback facilities I cannot comment on the SACD quality. I experienced similar issues with Archiv Fournier CD. I suspect digital manipulation including compression has a significant impact. An earlier DG release of the same Fournier recording sounded far more musical to my ears. I am awaiting the 6LP 45rpm release of Starker which I have on pre order but it seems to be indefinitely delayed.
The Bach Cello Suites are a good test of anyone’s music system and certainly expose issues in mastering and production!
As it’s also an advantage to be able to play the 33rpm version without so much flipping records, imo it’s a good investment to have both in this case…so think about buying the 33rpm in the meantime
Thanks for the suggestion. Due to the high cost and some reservations about Starkers musical approach, I will wait for the 45 rpm mainly to see just how good vinyl reproduction can be. I was slightly stung by the Rostropovich LP release from Warners which whilst
being a quiet pressing had a couple of pressing faults and suffered from a rather sterile interpretation. The only other vinyl releases I have of the Suites is the 62 Tortelier which is is poor condition purchased for £5 ! and a new pressing by Isang Enders,
which whilst not being a favourite is a fun listen if only for the pace of the 4th Suite Prelude!. I would like to find a reasonable copy of MIklos Perenyi’s Bach on vinyl and Bylsma’s first on vinyl. They come up rarely and for high sums of money,
Great work!
And your review of the first Bylsma recording is spot on. I used to have the LP version, lost it, I won’t get into how and why here but anyway, when I heard the CD I was a bit disappointed the sound was not how I remembered it. Playing was, so I do think it is down to the CD master.
Thanks, Its a pity you lost your original vinyl copy as they are expensive to come by.
Most Classical Music listeners are very respectful and possibly deferential to the artists and record labels. I suspect this leads to an “Emperors new clothes” scenario where listeners allow their expectations of excellence to overcome what their
inner feelings are telling them. My rule of thumb is that if I put on a CD and shortly my attention wanders or worse still I fall asleep, then something may be wrong! Its just a case of working out what. We all know its not Bach’s fault.
I did take the two recordings on CD that I have of Fournier’s performance and create a sound file using a recording software programme. This allowed me to visualise the music in sound wave form by zooming in on the first second or so of the file.
I was intrigued to find how different the appearance was for the same section of music. Of course this could be slightly different mix of bass and treble but I suspect is down to compression.
It would be great to hear from someone who has worked in the industry who could give us an informed view as opposed to our guesswork! I would love to know how much manipulation goes on after recording and what can be achieved in this way.
Saw Rachel perform the Bach Partita No. 2 in D Minor BWV 1004 yesterday afternoon. Her playing of the Chaconne was astonishing. The Times of London called her “the unsurpassed British glory of the baroque violin.” Which she is. Also had a chance to speak with her after the concert, and passed on a story which she asked if she could use in her concerts. She’s as personable & charming as she is talented. Fortunately, her fabulous recordings for Channel Records are recorded in DSD for SACD & hi-rez download & do full justice to this supreme artist.
What an incredible thread for a Newbie Audiophile and Classical neophyte like myself. I am listening to as many of the recordings as I can to see the differences in interpretation of these incredible pieces and the suites themselves. Right now it’s this one. On some of the quiet passages you can hear him breathe! Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread and my education. Much Love
While each has something to say about these timeless masterpieces, this is my preferred recording of those that sit on my shelf along side those of Rostropovich, Ma, Starker & Tortelier.
This one was a little different. Listening to it now.
Heard him play all 6 live in one go whilst being danced around by Anne Teresa de Kaesmacker et al.
He’'s third along next to the lady in the string vest (see her in the video below). It was quite something.
