Review: Bach - 6 Cello Suites

This is Yo-Yo Ma’s third attempt at Bach’s 6 unaccompanied cello suites, and the question on everyone’s mind is “what’s different?”. Well, on the one hand, not much has changed in Ma’s interpretation of the preludes and dances that incorporate the suites, nor did the first two versions were weak in any way, and can still hold their own in the catalog, 35 years after the first release.

Bach – Cello Suites (“Six Evolutions”)

Yo-Yo Ma

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The first release (1983) was confident, technically superb and well recorded for the early digital age. The second (1997), was accompanying some 6 short videos for each suite, had a Lower pitch and were overall more extravagant in character. This third installation belongs more to the world of the first recording, though with some added profoundness (Maturity?) and a sense of inner calmness not immediately apparent with Ma’s young self.

If you are looking for an outgoing romanticism, whole bows and inflated vibrato of, let’s say, Rostropovich or Fournier, look elsewhere. Ma is using modern bow and strings, but similar to many of today’s period instruments specialists, his usage of the vibrato is sparse, only added as a decorating element or when it suits the musical phrase.

With Ma, one never forgets that these are dances, and even with some rhythmic liberties, the sustained beat remains as a strong anchor, which gives each dance movement its backbone.

Many Cellists will treat the 5th Suite as an outburst of tragedy and sorrow (Take Maisky as an example). Here, Notice how Yo-Yo Ma’s approach is quieter, inward-looking. From the two approaches, Ma is the one that will bring a chill down your spine.

Sony wisely priced this 2 CD release as a single CD (With vinyl costs the full double amount). The recording, made at Mechanics Hall, Worcester (Massachusetts), is in demonstrative level. This release can be recommended without reservation for any listener who prefers his Bach played with inner power, rather than superficially forced.