Programme Notes

I have always loved the Bach Cello Suites since I was a young student marvelling at the music and pondering the possibility that they could also be achievable on my instrument too. The exquisite renditions by the late John Fletcher of the Minuet and Gigue from the first Suite are tantalizing examples and one only wishes that he had recorded more for us, as they have inspired brass players over the years with his sensitivity and virtuosity.

I found myself drawn back to the Suites in 2007 after organising, performing and recording many complicated and busy works. I immersed myself in them, again savouring the simplicity of the single musical voice and searching for insights into unravelling the complexity of the implied polyphony.

Bach composed his six Cello Suites between 1717 and 1723, and they are now acclaimed as amongst the greatest works in the cello repertoire. They were not well known before the 20th Century, but were championed by cellist Pablo Casals after finding the earliest known manuscript of the works in a second hand shop. They have since become some of Bach’s most popular and recognisable works loved by musicians and transcribed for almost every instrument. They encompass a great variety of styles, mainly in dance forms from Bach’s day. They are technically and musically demanding, covering a wide range of emotions from intimate and reflective to exuberant and joyful. I highly recommend getting to know one of the many fantastic recordings available today.

My choice of material has no particular theme or structure.  The movements here are among the

ones that I just love to play.  The Prelude is from Suite No.1, Gavotte II from Suite 5 and the others from Suite No.3.  Studio time was limited to a few hours so sadly I’ve had to put other’s favourites aside for another day.  I also battled shocking Tinnitus that day, as the previous night I has been at the incredible Led Zeppelin reunion concert which had been both inspiring and blisteringly loud!

Recorded 11t h December 2007 at Kenilworth Studios, Penge, and South London.