Six Cello Suites performed on viola

Refined sound, but limited expression.

This recording is technically excellent. A very refined sound which is satisfying to the ears. But it doesn't excite my *musical* ears, and although Bach can appear a bit plain at times, other recordings have brought out the true musical excitement contained within these wonderful Suites - Bach is only plain if the performer hasn't gotten it right. I might sound overly critical in this review, but here I go, I'm just being honest and responding perfectly naturally to what I hear.

McCarty needs to flesh out her interpretation MUCH more. It needs more character, perhaps more rusticity, maybe even more of a dance-like quality when called for. Of course this is all personal preference, but let's face it, interpretation is part of the reason why some artists are more popular and successful (and just plain better) than others. Sometimes I felt McCarty sounded a bit timid as well; a bit too careful. It's all extremely carefully controlled, which is essential for any good performer, but in this case it dominates the musical landscape and musical interest and inspiration are, well, limited. McCarty's rendition can even sound a little cold at times, and inexpressive. I may sound like I'm hankering after an "old-fashioned" Romantic approach, but Elizabeth Wallfisch's interpretation of the Sonata & Partitas is wonderfully expressive to give an example.

Some of the dance movements have good vigor on this CD, but that doesn't necessarily translate into a desirable dance-like abandon which is what these Suites are all about at the end of the day. In fact, some of them sound a bit too measured out. Let me back this particular claim up musically: sometimes it is very clear in Bach that he has made a spot here or there where the music naturally takes a pause, raises a question mark, or leaves us hanging in suspension, even to the humor of Bach when he wrote it. In many of these occasions McCarty simply ignores this natural musical indications, and it contributes to her all-round strict and self-disciplinary way of playing.

I don't want to continue in being overly-critical, but...the ornaments are also nice, but they sound impersonal. They sound academic, carefully thought-out and constructed with technical precision. While it's fine for it to be well thought-out, you should at least make it *sound* spontaneous, improvised, which is the whole idea of baroque ornamentation.

By the end of the 2 CD set, unfortunately I have to say, it does get a bit "boring". It's nice, but not interesting enough I'm afraid. It just doesn't have enough "life". Most people probably don't have time to listen to 2 CDs all the way through anyway, but one generally listens to CDs more than once after they buy it, and for me I wouldn't listen to this one very often. If it was an LP I wouldn't wear out the vinyl.

Despite this heavy criticism, I admit this is an excellent *viola* recording of the Bach suites, and one to refer back to, particularly for study or comparison by viola students and players. In many ways it's better than Imai's. But for pure enjoyment of the music, try another interpretation - like Paolo Pandalfo's, or Anner Bylsma's!

I am going to have to give it three [and a half] stars though. Four stars would be bowing under peer pressure with all these five stars around.

November 1, 2008

Strongly Recommended

This is an eloquent version of the Cello Suites, superbly played and recorded; a fine alternative to the old mono LP set done by Lillian Fuchs, which has been reissued on CD. Fuchs played the Bach Suites with fire and drama, while Patricia McCarty brings more in refinement and grace to these works. If one enjoyed Pierre Fournier's approach to the Suites on cello, then run to hear this recording by Patricia McCarty. May 22, 2008

Beautiful music

This album is unique in that it combines the best of Bach's cello suites with the hauntingly beautiful tone of a viola played by a master, Patricia McCarty. This is "mood" music at its best. The only small problem with it is that it all sounds much the same. But that's the way its written. So if you know Bach's music and what you are ordering then you don't get much better than this. May 3, 2008

Bach Unaccompianied Suites

This is a great collection of CDs. Patricia McCarty plays beautifully and with feeling. I have been listening to these suites since the 60's and as a viola player this is my favorite rendition. McCarty makes a big viola sound and she is very careful with her phrasing. I'm only sorry I didn't discover this wonderful collection sooner.If you like Bach, you'll like these.
J Myers February 16, 2008

It is just what I ordered

The CD came on time and was good quality. It was just what I heard on the online player. July 13, 2007

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