Bach: Cello Suites Nos. 1-6

Mstislav Rostropovich is one of the few musicians who can create a larger-than-life experience through the combined forces of exceptional music, a beautiful instrument, and uncommonly facile communicative skills. In his performances of Bach's transcendent masterpieces for solo cello, Rostropovich finds a perfect balance between a romantic, rhapsodic interpretation and one that emphasizes the purely formal "aridity" of Bach's structures. Although it's nearly impossible to isolate one or two highlights, the Sarabande and Prelude from Suite No. 5 are among the most profoundly moving cello performances you will ever hear--the closest we probably will ever come to experiencing through music the soul of both Rostropovich and Bach. Not everyone will immediately appreciate the very resonant sound that emphasizes the cello's lower register. But after a few minutes your ears adjust, the music takes over, and nothing else seems important. --David Vernier Amazon.com

Rostropovich at his finest.

This rendition of Bach's cello suites is by far the best I have ever heard. The sound quality is so clear his fingers can be heard sliding on the strings and an occasional breath before a passage. The acoustics of the instrument are so perfectly recorded it would not sound any different live!

Also all suites 1-6 are flawless. As usual Rostropovich pulls off all 42 movements with laser guided precision and OCD accuracy. October 29, 2008

Mismarketed

I bought this thinking it was actually something else. My mistake and I haven't enjoyed it even though I am a huge fan of Bach. October 18, 2008

One of the pinnacles of Western classical music, played by a master

It is difficult to know what to add to the many useful and intelligent reviews already posted on Amazon, but anyone who owns this recording feels the compulsion to share his enthusiasm with other music lovers. While other cellists - particulalry Casals and Fournier - have made indispensable records of their interpretation of these sublime suites, only this one offers everything you would require in a performance: full, deep recorded sound with the slight resonance and aura around it which the Burgundian gothic cathedral of Vezelay provided (Slava chose this venue particularly for its rich acoustic); flawless playing by perhaps the greatest cellist ever; wonderfully illuminating notes which both enhance your understanding of the music and also of how Rostropovich finally felt ready to record his interpretation; in short, the finest possible account of these transcendent, spirituallly profound masterworks. Anyone who seeks repose, truth and beauty in this troubled world needs to own this set; it will repay you with inexhaustible listening pleasure. September 7, 2008

A Master At One With His Instrument

This is a wonderful recording - Rostropovich delivers a soulful and meticulous rendition of the 6 Bach Cello Suites. This really is exemplary playing and thrilling to listen to. The music carries you right away! The quality of the recording is superb. I highly recommend this - it's a "must have" in any classical music collection. July 26, 2007

Bach Cello Suites No.1~6 by Rostropovich

I meant to listen to Bach suites and I finally purchased. Unfortunatelly Rostropovich passing on. I am taking cello lesson and I can say that this CD is true classic and true cellist of dreams. May 12, 2007

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