Review Bach Cello Suites by John Friesen

Introduction | Cantatas | Other Vocal | Non-Vocal | Performers | General Topics | Articles | Books | Movies
Biographies | Texts & Translations | Scores | References | Commentary | Music | Concerts | Bach Tour | Memorabilia
Chorale Texts | Chorale Melodies | Lutheran Church Year | Readings | Poets & Composers | Transcriptions
Search Website | Search Works/Movements | Terms & Abbreviations | Copyright Notice | How to contribute | Links

Non-Vocal Works: Recordings, Reviews & Discussions | Order of Discussion
Recording Reviews of Non-Vocal Works: Organ | Keyboard | Solo Instrumental | Chamber | Orchestral, MO, AOF
Performers of Non-Vocal Works: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Suites for Cello Solo BWV 1007-1009

John Friesen (Cello)

Review: Bach Cello Suites by John Friesen

1	Cello Suites
No. 1 in G major BWV 1007 No. 2 in G major BWV 1008 No. 3 in G major BWV 1009
John Friesen (cello)
Regis Records		Sep-Oct 1996	CD / TT: 63:12

Kirk McElhearn wrote (March 3, 2002):
Bach's cello suites are arguably the greatest works ever written for solo cello. Recorded by any cellist worth his salt, these works contain some of the most poignant and emotional music Bach ever wrote. John Friesen performs these works on a very attractive-sounding instrument, which has a deep, rich bass, and wonderful resonance. This is clearly a “big” sound – undoubtedly not a baroque instrument (no information is given in the notes), but one that is tastefully recorded.

Each of these suites opens with a prelude that should be improvisatory in nature. But Friesen seems a bit too stuck in the rhythm of the score, and plays these preludes far too strictly - the notes all seem to be played on the beat; there is no freedom here. He seems much freer in the allemandes and sarabandes, where one can hear a certain amount of emotion comes through, but at times, such as in the allemande of the 3rd suite, his tone is off occasionally.

While Friesen shows more control in the faster movements, such as the courantes and gigues, there is still an overall lack of flexibility that prevents the music from truly developing.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of direction in this recording. The tempi are too often wooden and rigid, the bowing sounds forced, and the music seems to be hidden behind the notes. There is little to be said for this disc, and listeners who want to discover these works would be much better off listening to such brilliant performances as those of Anner Bylsma or Peter Wispelway.

Contact Details: www.johnfriesen.com

Non-Vocal Works: Recordings, Reviews & Discussions | Order of Discussion
Recording Reviews of Non-Vocal Works: Organ | Keyboard | Solo Instrumental | Chamber | Orchestral, MO, AOF
Performers of Non-Vocal Works: A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Back to the Top

Last update: ýApril 10, 2004 ý10:08:03